BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2
By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend:
Lithuania invites Uzbekistan to develop cooperation in the field of aviation, the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Lithuania told Trend.
Commenting on major projects currently being implemented to develop cooperation in the transport and communications sector with Uzbekistan, the Lithuanian ministry said that there are no specific projects in the field of transport and communications between Lithuania and Uzbekistan currently.
"However, Uzbekistan’s growing, and liberalizing economy offers great opportunities for such projects to emerge in the future. Lithuania sees the potential for Uzbekistan to participate in the development of public logistics centers, as well as in establishing joint transport and logistics companies," the ministry stressed.
Also, the ministry noted that as part of Northern Europe, Lithuania is a window to the region of North Europe and America, adding that there are excellent opportunities to develop transportation not only via logistics centers but also via the Seaport of Klaipeda.
"Lithuanian Railways JSC is ready to develop three-way cooperation with Uzbekistan. First, organizing freight transport to/from Uzbekistan. Second, technical aspects: expanding, repairing, and rebuilding the wagon fleet. We are aware that Uzbekistan uses electric locomotives. Lithuania is interested in such experience and can also offer locomotive maintenance services. Third, railway reforms in Lithuania – an experience we can share," the ministry said.
"Our country invites Uzbekistan to develop cooperation in the field of aviation. Lithuanian airports could be a geographically suitable distribution center for Uzbek cargo to/from Europe. In terms of civil aviation, Lithuania may offer cooperation to Uzbek airlines in pursuit of the EU AOC (Air Operator Certificate). Direct air flights to Lithuania and flights from Tashkent to the US via Vilnius would be in high demand," the ministry added.
In addition, it was noted that to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, both Lithuania and Uzbekistan introduced restrictions that had a direct impact on the transport sector. Movement controls and restrictions have most affected the travel of passengers, especially by air transport, and the transportation of goods by road.
The ministry said that despite the restrictions, last year, compared to 2019, the total volume of cargo transported by railways between Lithuanian and Uzbekistan and cargo turnover through the Seaport of Klaipeda has increased. Some goods were relocated to different means of transport.
"The joint efforts of both countries were used to respond promptly to the problems encountered and to seek acceptable solutions. Good relationships and long experience of cooperation helped to find a way out of difficult situations," the ministry stressed.
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