Azernews.Az

Qabil Ashirov

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In a significant step towards enhancing regional trade and transport, President Ilham Aliyev has signed a Decree approving the "Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Russian Federation on Cooperation for the Development of Transit Cargo Transportation via the 'North-South' International Transport Corridor." The agreement, which was signed on December 21, 2024, in Moscow, marks a pivotal moment in strengthening Azerbaijan’s role as a critical transportation hub linking the East and West.

The Decree sets the stage for the agreement’s implementation, with the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan tasked with ensuring that its provisions are effectively carried out. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will notify the Russian Federation once all necessary domestic procedures are completed, allowing the agreement to take effect.

Besides, recently news circulated in the media outlets that a trilateral meeting will be convened involving leaders from Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia to discuss the continuation of the Rasht-Astara railway project, a key component of the North-South Corridor. The railway, which will connect the three nations, is expected to provide a vital link between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf. During the upcoming meeting, the signing of a document regarding the next phase of the railway’s construction will be on the agenda, with the goal of resuming work on the project later this year.

Transport expert Rauf Aghamirzayev highlighted the importance of these developments in a conversation with Azernews, and noted that the development of these railway projects will enhance Azerbaijan's transit potential, transforming the country into a crucial player in regional logistics and transportation. Given that the distance from the Russian border to the Iranian border is 500 km, no other country can offer such a short and efficient transit route.

“Over the past 20 years, Azerbaijan has invested significantly in various modes of transportation, establishing itself as a transportation hub in the region. Whether in air transport, pipeline transport, or railway transport, Azerbaijan has the capability to cater to different types of cargo with tailored solutions. With the increase in cargo volumes, further corresponding projects will undoubtedly be undertaken.

These advancements underscore Azerbaijan's strategic importance in regional connectivity and its potential to drive economic growth through enhanced logistics and transport infrastructure.

For more updates on these developments and their implications for the region, stay tuned,” R. Aghamirzayev concluded.

It is worth noting that the Qazvin-Rasht section of the Qazvin-Rasht-Astara (Iran)-Astara (Azerbaijan) railway, which forms the basis of the "North-South" International Transport Corridor, was commissioned in 2018. However, the construction of the Rasht-Astara section remains incomplete. This railway connects the Gulf countries and Southeast Asian countries with Russia and Europe through the "North-South" International Transport Corridor. Cargo entering the Gulf and Oman Sea ports will be transported to Russia and in the opposite direction via Iran and Azerbaijan.