Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed issues of expanding cooperation in the transport and logistics sector, accelerating the movement of cargo at border checkpoints, and re-establishing direct air services between the two countries.

These issues were discussed at a meeting in the city of Tashkent between representatives of Uzbekistan's transport and logistics sector and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shadurdy Meredow. The meeting was attended by heads of relevant centers in Uzbekistan's transport sector, specialists from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the association of international road carriers, and experts from major logistics companies.

The main goal of the negotiations was to reduce administrative procedures hindering cargo transportation between the two countries, speed up border crossings, and expand the capabilities of transport and logistics routes.

A number of proposals to further improve border procedures were put forward by the Uzbek side. Among them are measures such as processing visa documents for freight truck drivers in electronic form, reducing additional fees at border checkpoints, and accelerating control procedures.

The parties paid special attention to the issue of preventing the accumulation of vehicles at the "Farap — Alat" border checkpoint. Proposals for creating a special "green corridor" for trucks carrying perishable goods and building an additional bridge in the neutral zone were also discussed.

The meeting touched upon issues related to revising weight and size restrictions for freight vehicles, as well as making more active use of the capabilities of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport in road-rail routes.

In addition, views were exchanged on the possibility of re-establishing direct regular air services between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The resumption of direct airline operations could create additional opportunities for developing business, tourism, and other ties between the two countries.

Representatives of the diplomatic mission of Turkmenistan expressed their readiness to promptly forward the proposals put forward at the meeting to the relevant state agencies of Turkmenistan and develop mutually acceptable solutions based on them.

The initiatives of the parties aimed at modernizing transport corridors and facilitating border procedures, along with developing trade and economic relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, will contribute to a more efficient use of transit opportunities in the transport and logistics system of Central Asia.