Large-scale integration and the building of cooperative ties with the Central Asian region continue, within which Azerbaijan is perceived as a central transport hub and a point of access to international routes.
This was stated by Emil Mammadov, advisor to the Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), speaking at the fifth 'Black Sea-Caspian Logistics Forum 2026' in Baku.
"There is even a distinction between concepts such as land-locked and land-linked countries. It is about connecting and ensuring access through Azerbaijan to the 'big water'. Interaction with brothers and neighbors from Central Asia will significantly increase the economic development potential of the entire region, and in logistical terms will allow for an increase in the cargo base. Railway administrations are conducting extensive work on forming cooperative mechanisms, establishing communication, and, as already mentioned, synchronizing work processes," emphasized the ADY advisor.
As Mammadov noted, when considering the situation from the perspective of the railway industry, this also includes issues of modernizing the rolling stock: negotiations are structured so that the parties do not duplicate efforts but complement each other.
"A similar process is under discussion with the Georgian Railway," he added, reporting that Georgia has already joined the 'Eurasian Transport Route' association.
Mammadov also clarified that the Eurasian Transport Route is a new direction and association created on Azerbaijan's initiative. This route runs along the southern branch of the Middle Corridor, where Uzbekistan plays a central role in the Central Asian region.
"Currently, the association includes Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The new association will function as a parallel platform complementing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route," noted the ADY advisor.
