During his working visit to Afghanistan on August 10, National Leader of the Turkmen People Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held high-level talks covering critical areas of bilateral and regional cooperation, with a particular focus on the Lapis Lazuli international transport corridor.

According to TDH, transport and logistics represent a vital bridge connecting Central and South Asia. Located at the crossroads of transcontinental routes, Turkmenistan prioritizes sustainable transport collaboration, cross-border transit corridors, and the historical revival of the Great Silk Road.

The Lapis Lazuli Corridor (Afghanistan–Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Türkiye) was established under a five-party agreement signed in Ashgabat in 2017. During the discussions, key proposals raised by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to boost the route's efficiency were highlighted:

  • Establishing a unified logistics center to coordinate cargo flows across member states

  • Upgrading infrastructure at sea ports, railway stations, and highway terminals

  • Adopting a unified tariff policy for two-way transit cargo

  • Simplifying customs procedures through a "Single Window" system

  • Creating a digital map and atlas for the transport corridor

This multimodal corridor connects Central and South Asia, the Caspian and Black Sea regions, and the Mediterranean, enhancing regional trade and geo-economic integration.