Baku, Astana sign agreement on underwater fibre-optic cable project

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have signed a series of bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation, including a deal to design and construct an underwater fibre-optic communication line between the two countries.

Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov and his Kazakh counterpart, Oljas Bektenov signed agreements following talks in Baku, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"The project will enhance digital connectivity between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, reinforcing the region’s telecommunications infrastructure," the Kazakh government said in a statement.

The two leaders also discussed trade and economic cooperation, transport and logistics infrastructure, and cultural ties, officials said.

Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan reached $533 million in 2024, and Kazakhstan expressed readiness to boost exports of 130 types of non-resource goods worth over $340 million, the statement added.

Transport and logistics cooperation was a key focus, with both sides highlighting a sharp rise in cargo shipments via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).

"In 2024, freight transport along the TITR increased by 62% to 4.5 million tonnes," the Kazakh government said. "Additionally, the integration of the Digital Trade Corridor platform between the railway systems of both countries has been completed, improving the efficiency of transport flows."

By Aghakazim Guliyev