Türkiye seeks to boost development of Middle Corridor, envoy says

Türkiye has expressed its intention to intensify efforts to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, citing growing interest from the United States and the European Union.

Speaking at a press conference in Turkmenistan's Ashgabat, Ahmet Demirok, Türkiye’s ambassador to Turkmenistan, highlighted the corridor’s role as a safe and practical trade route. He noted that recent attention from Washington and Brussels underscores its increasing strategic importance, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

Demirok emphasised that Turkmenistan serves as a key transit hub for Turkish goods destined for Central Asia, while Türkiye itself plays a vital role in transporting Turkmen products to European markets. 

To enhance the efficiency of the Middle Corridor, he argued, it is necessary to intensify development of multimodal transport and to simplify and accelerate operations at both bilateral and trilateral levels, including cooperation with Azerbaijan.

The ambassador also praised Turkmenistan’s efforts to modernise its transport and logistics infrastructure. He pointed to the international seaport in Turkmenbashi, a project undertaken by Turkish contracting firms, as an asset with significant logistics potential. Demirok further underscored Türkiye’s readiness to continue cooperating with Turkmenistan on developing transport and maritime infrastructure across the Caspian Sea.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route connects China, Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and onward to Europe, facilitating container transport via both rail and sea. Its development is seen as a strategic alternative to traditional Eurasian trade routes, offering a faster and more secure link between Asia and European markets.

By Sabina Mammadli