Kazakhstan, Turkey need to develop 'middle corridor' linking them in transport-transit sphere - Tokayev

ASTANA. Oct 12 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan and Turkey are interested in increasing the volume of traffic via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and speak for the development of a "middle corridor" connecting the two states, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

"Our countries are interested in increasing the volume of transportation on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. This strategic project is hugely important for maintaining stability in the region," Tokayev said at a briefing he gave jointly with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday.

"The volume of transportation via this route increased 2.5 times over seven months to 1 million tonnes" this year, he said.

"In this context, the development of the 'middle corridor" connecting our states appears important," Tokayev said.

Erdogan is in Kazakhstan on a state visit.