Uzbekistan to use Zangezur corridor for strategic cargo

Uzbekistan plans to use the Zangezur corridor for transporting strategically important cargo.

1news.media reports, citing Hikmatulla Rahmetov, First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan Railways JSC, that once the Zangezur corridor becomes operational, Uzbekistan will consider it for transporting strategic goods both to and from the country, as well as to neighboring states.

H. Rahmetov noted that cooperation with Azerbaijan is currently developing intensively, with increasing cargo volumes covering almost all types of goods. Transport corridors through Azerbaijan and Georgia are expanding.

“The potential of Azerbaijan in the Middle Corridor is well known. Azerbaijan provides a transit route to Europe, as well as South and North America, and in the opposite direction to Central Asian countries. Azerbaijan Railways provides us with strong support,” he emphasized.

He added that during the 83rd meeting of the CIS Rail Transport Council in Baku, the parties confirmed close cooperation and partnership. He thanked Azerbaijan for support in working with the new Alat port and stressed that, thanks to the support of the two countries’ leaders for the development of the Middle Corridor, relations and cooperation will only strengthen.

Rahmetov stated that the Zangezur corridor will enhance Azerbaijan’s transit potential and expand Uzbekistan’s import and export cargo flows, as well as those of neighboring countries—Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. The corridor will create additional opportunities to reduce transit costs and will provide an important boost to the development of international transport via the Middle Corridor.

“Regarding strategically important cargo such as oil products and chemical fertilizers, Uzbekistan already exports these goods to Europe via Azerbaijan. Transporting these goods through Azerbaijan is a priority due to their importance for the food and energy security of partner countries,” Rahmetov said.