Azerbaijan, Türkiye discuss strengthening Middle Corridor transport route

Azerbaijan and Türkiye have held discussions on enhancing cooperation in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, shared details of the meeting in a post on X, Caliber.Az reports.

Türkiyə Respublikasının Azərbaycandakı fövqəladə və səlahiyyətli səfiri cənab Birol Akgün ilə görüşdük.

Görüş zamanı Azərbaycan və Türkiyə arasında nəqliyyat sahəsində əməkdaşlığın genişləndirilməsi məsələlərini müzakirə etdik.

Xüsusilə avtomobil nəqliyyatı, dəmir yolu,… pic.twitter.com/yRGoJMHApU

— Rashad Nabiyev (@RashadNNabiyev) May 22, 2025

The talks took place during a meeting with Türkiye’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Birol Akgün. Both sides reviewed prospects for deepening collaboration across various modes of transport, including road, rail and air, with particular focus on boosting the strategic Middle Corridor route.

To recall, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), commonly known as the Middle Corridor, is a vital trade and transport corridor connecting China to Europe through Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye. Azerbaijan plays a central role in this corridor, positioning itself as a critical transit hub that enhances regional connectivity and economic integration.

The Middle Corridor offers a competitive alternative to traditional Northern routes through Russia, providing shorter transit times and diversified logistics options. The expansion and modernization of Azerbaijan’s transport infrastructure, particularly the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway and the Port of Baku, have significantly boosted the corridor’s capacity.

The second phase of the Port of Baku’s development aims to increase annual cargo handling to 25 million tons, underscoring Azerbaijan’s commitment to becoming a major logistics centre.

According to Azerbaijan Railways and the Ministry of Transport, the corridor has seen a substantial increase in cargo volume. In 2024, transit through the Middle Corridor grew by more than 60%, reflecting rising demand from international shippers seeking reliable, efficient routes.

Azerbaijan’s geographic position allows it to bridge East and West, facilitating not only freight movement but also strengthening economic ties among participating countries.

By Aghakazim Guliyev