Azerbaijan, Pakistan boost rail ties with ambitious cross-continental express plan PHOTO

Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), part of AZCON Holding, has held a virtual meeting with the Chairman of Pakistan Railways, Syed Mazhar Ali Shah, to advance bilateral cooperation on freight transportation and strategic infrastructure.

The discussions focused on increasing freight volumes, integrating port operations, and launching joint investment initiatives, Caliber.Az reports, citing Azerbaijan Railways.

The talks also centred around enhancing transport routes connecting Azerbaijan and Pakistan as part of the broader East-West corridor.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to developing the South Asia–Caucasus–Europe transport axis, viewing it as a key channel for mutual trade.

They voiced strong support for a multimodal corridor linking China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan — a project expected to bridge major parts of Asia and Europe.

As part of the dialogue, the two railway leaders explored the potential of pilot freight projects, including the proposed “Pakistan–Azerbaijan Express” and the “Pakistan–Iran–Azerbaijan” route.

They also discussed the strategic relevance of Pakistan’s Gwadar Port and the Middle Corridor, seen as a critical alternative for transcontinental trade logistics.

By Aghakazim Guliyev