Baku: Turkmenistan Presented Strategy for Developing International Transport Corridors

On April 2, 2026, the second meeting of heads of government and vice presidents of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in Baku, the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan. At this significant event, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev outlined the country's strategic views in the transport and logistics sector. During the meeting, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan attaches special importance to the creation and modernization of international corridors along the East–West and North–South routes. A New Vision for the Great Silk Road The Vice-Prime Minister stated that the development of these routes creates additional opportunities to increase trade turnover and strengthen cooperation across various economic sectors. Turkmenistan's initiatives include the following priority areas: - Reviving the Great Silk Road: Restoring the ancient trade route in a new format, enriched with modern technologies and digital solutions. - Trans-Caspian Route: Strengthening the central role of the international transport corridor passing through the Caspian Sea in interregional trade relations. - Geographic Integration: Increasing the efficiency of multimodal routes connecting the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Economic Benefits and Cooperation The development of corridors not only increases freight volumes but also opens new doors for cooperation in other economic sectors. Improving these routes directly impacts the acceleration of trade turnover and enhances investment attractiveness in the region. Results of the Meeting At the conclusion of the event, a joint Declaration was adopted by the representatives of the participating states. The meeting was attended by high-level representatives from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Northern Cyprus (at the head of government level), Turkey (at the vice president level), Turkmenistan (at the vice-prime minister level), and the Secretary General of the OTS.