A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Parahat Jumayev, Director of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port, on a working visit to Azerbaijan, held talks with Eldar Salahov, Director of Baku International Sea Port LLC. The meeting was also attended by Gurbanmammet Elyasov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan, according to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

The parties noted the consistent strengthening of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, paying particular attention to the development of logistical cooperation between the ports of Turkmenbashi and Baku (Alyat). It was emphasised that cooperation is aimed at increasing cargo traffic across the Caspian Sea, developing the Middle Corridor and expanding transport links against the backdrop of growing mutual trade.

In recent years, the parties have intensified their efforts to increase transport volumes and simplify cross-border and customs procedures. The reduction in tariffs for sea and rail services has contributed to the growth of multimodal transport and an increase in transit container transshipment.

The development of the ports of Turkmenbashi and Baku (Alyat) is aimed at transforming them into key logistics hubs in the Caspian region, serving international ‘East-West’ corridors. The main route between the two ports provides transshipment of oil, various cargoes and railway cars. After modernisation, the port of Turkmenbashi has become a major transport hub, while the port of Baku in Alyat continues to expand its infrastructure and strengthen its position in freight and passenger transport.

Special attention is paid to the development of the Caspian Sea–Black Sea international transit and transport corridor, including the prospects for increasing cargo traffic through the ports of Turkmenbashi, Baku, Poti, Batumi and Constanta. The importance of expanding cooperation with all interested parties, including the European Union, was emphasised.

The meeting participants also discussed issues related to establishing effective information exchange to improve coordination within international transport routes.