Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, July 2
By Vugar Imanov – Trend Life:
Transport corridor Afghanistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey (Lapis Lazuli) is among the most important projects aimed at further development of communications between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, Orazgeldi Sukhanov, the Chairman of the Türkmenawtoulaglary Agency of The Ministry of Industry and Communication of Turkmenistan told Trend.
“Convoy of nine cargo cars which started in Herat, Afghanistan, in December 2018, has successfully finished the route. We would like to determine the traffic of cars, railway and marine way route in order to define the flat rate. Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan agreed on visa regimen for further successful realization of the project. The transport corridor in question is very perspective," he said.
"The cargo turnover between our countries is also increasing due to sea ports. Turkmenbashi International Seaport and Baku International Sea Trade Port at Alat play the most important role in this regard. All necessary legal framework for bilateral cooperation in this sphere exists,” Sukhanov added.
Chairman of Türkmenawtoulaglary Agency also noted promising Caspian Sea – Black Sea transport corridor, which will connect sea ports of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan with ports of Georgia and Romania. This corridor will allow for the improvement of connection between countries of Europe and Asia in the context of recently approved European Union Strategy on Central Asia.
“The main directions of relation development between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are spheres of transport and transit. Mutually beneficial cooperation will lead to further development of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, which are on Silk Road and work closely with a number of countries worldwide," he said.
"European structures are also interested in development of Caspian Sea – Black Sea international transport route. Azerbaijan is our strategic partner and our interests coincide, whereas the existing projects will support the development of transport,” added Sukhanov.