Azernews.Az

Qabil Ashirov

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Kazakhstan has expressed its readiness to participate in the development of the Zangezur Corridor, a key regional transport initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity across Eurasia, AzerNEWS reports.

Speaking at the second meeting of prime ministers and vice presidents of member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Baku, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov underscored the strategic importance of strengthening regional transport links amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Bektenov noted that disruptions in global trade and transport routes have become increasingly visible against the backdrop of geopolitical instability, affecting both food and energy security in the broader region.

“In the current environment of growing geopolitical tensions, interruptions are being observed in trade and transport routes that ensure food and energy security,” he said.

He emphasized that the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, stands out as one of the most reliable and secure transit routes under present conditions.

“To elevate the institutional status of the Middle Corridor, we plan to sign a relevant intergovernmental agreement with Azerbaijan this year,” Bektenov stated.

The Kazakh prime minister also stressed the importance of maintaining the sustainability of this route while ensuring its integration with the Zangezur Corridor, which is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity.

“In this context, Kazakhstan is ready to participate in the project, and a number of Kazakh companies have already expressed interest in the construction and modernization of railway infrastructure,” he added.

The Zangezur Corridor is widely seen as a key strategic link that could connect mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave while further extending trade routes between Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe.