Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan discuss expanding transport, logistics cooperation

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have discussed efforts to expand cooperation in transport and logistics, including plans to increase the capacity of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor.

The issue was discussed during a meeting between Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Alim Bayel and Shahin Babayev, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Transport and Communications Holding (AZCON), according to Kazakhstan’s diplomatic mission, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“During the meeting, the strategic role of transport connectivity in strengthening trade and economic relations between the two countries and in the region was emphasised, as was the importance of coordinating efforts to increase the capacity of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TMTM),” the statement said.

The sides also discussed the implementation of joint infrastructure projects. Bayel recalled a 2024 agreement reached in the presence of the two countries’ presidents on the construction of a joint intermodal terminal at the Port of Alyat.

“The Azerbaijani side reported that the update to the master plan for the development of the Port of Baku is currently being finalised, after which construction of the aforementioned intermodal terminal is expected to begin,” the statement said.

The ambassador also highlighted an agreement under which Kazakhstan will purchase ships built in Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijan will continue purchasing locomotives manufactured in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan has already ordered two dry cargo ships from the Baku Shipyard. Babayev, in turn, pledged to consider the possibility of purchasing Kazakh locomotives in the near future. Between 2015 and 2022, Kazakhstan supplied 50 locomotives to Azerbaijan.

The two sides reaffirmed their interest in further developing their transport and communications infrastructure and strengthening the roles of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan as key transit hubs connecting Eurasia.

By Sabina Mammadli