Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan consider twice-weekly direct flights

Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are considering launching regular direct flights between Baku and Ashgabat twice a week as the two countries seek to deepen economic and transport cooperation, according to the International Information Centre of Turkmenistan.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting of the Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation held in Ashgabat, where officials reviewed ways to expand collaboration in transport, tourism, trade and investment, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The two sides also focused on strengthening their transit potential and enhancing transport links between Asia and Europe. Turkmenistan confirmed it would continue to provide preferential tariffs for Azerbaijani vessels using the Turkmenbashi International Seaport.

In addition, the countries agreed to accelerate work on a project to lay a telecommunications cable across the bed of the Caspian Sea, aimed at improving regional digital connectivity.

As part of efforts to boost business and tourism ties, the commission discussed launching regular direct flights between Ashgabat and Baku with a frequency of two services per week. The sides also agreed to organise reciprocal business missions and familiarisation visits for entrepreneurs to several Azerbaijani cities, including Aghdam, Fuzuli, Shusha, Khankendi and Nakhchivan.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a package of joint cooperation documents.

The next session of the Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation is scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan.

By Aghakazim Guliyev