Turkmenistan interested in developing Trans-Caspian Int'l Transport Route to strengthen Europe-Asia ties

ASHGABAT. May 21 (Interfax) - Turkmenistan is committed to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route to strengthen ties between Europe and Asia, Turkmen Ambassador to Belgium Sapar Palvanov said at a Brussels meeting presenting capacities of the EU Global Gateway initiative, the Turkmen news agency Orient said on Tuesday.

Turkmenistan plans further development of transport infrastructure, including construction of new railways and roads, in addition to active participation in the Global Gateway initiative, Palvanov said.

He noted the strategic significance and role of Turkmenistan in the project owing to its geographic position and sizable investment in transport infrastructure.

Turkmenistan has invested over $15 billion in the construction of roads, railways, airports and a seaport since 2015, Palvanov said. The Turkmenbashi seaport, in which $1.5 billion were invested and which can transship 25 million tonnes of cargo of various kinds through modern terminals, commenced operation in 2018.

Turkmenistan is actively working with European partners to draw investment and implement advanced port management practices, Palvanov said.

Over 5,000 kilometers of railways have been upgraded to ensure smooth traffic inside the country and between regions, he said.

The second stage in construction of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabad highway with a length of about 600 kilometers has been recently completed to expedite cargo supply and improve regional transportation, Palvanov said.

Turkmenistan takes active part in international initiatives and forums aimed to develop transport corridors. Projects presented by Turkmenistan at the investment forum in Brussels drew keen attention of international investors and logistic companies.

European Commission leaders, including heads of the EU Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, the European External Action Service and some other EU institutions, attended the Brussels meeting. Ambassadors of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Romania, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, and heads of transport and logistics research centers took part in the meeting, as well.

The sides discussed the EU Global Gateway initiative and the Middle Corridor's significance for sustainable development of transportation between Europe and Asia. It was noted that the corridor could facilitate the region's sustainability and a trade growth, especially given the instability of other routes, the Turkmen embassy to Belgium said.

It was noted that the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route was viewed as an intercontinental route between China and Europe and a factor to support regional trade and adjust supply chains between the European Union, Turkey, the Caucasus and Central Asia.