Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have strengthened trilateral cooperation, enhancing ties among the Turkic states around the Caspian Sea.
While the foundation of the Kars-Dilucu railway — a key section of the Zangezur Corridor — was being laid, a significant meeting took place in Turkmenistan on 22 August. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Turkmen Halk Maslahaty Chairman Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow convened to discuss cooperation in transport, energy, trade, tourism, and cultural sectors.
The most notable outcomes focused on transport and energy. Being landlocked states, the three countries prioritise cooperation among themselves based on mutual trust, rather than relying on neighbouring countries with limited access due to security and sanctions. The liberation of Azerbaijani territories and the growing role of the Turkic Council have created a positive environment for regional collaboration.
Recent developments in transport are particularly significant. The cargo capacity of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway has increased from 1 million to 5 million tonnes, while the Baku International Sea Trade Port’s capacity now reaches 15 million tonnes. Following the agreement reached between Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders in Washington, the potential opening of the Zangezur Corridor’s Armenian section has become more likely, making this route increasingly attractive for Caspian states.
Following the trilateral summit, Uzbek Transport Minister Ilham Mahkamov announced the signing of a tripartite agreement to establish joint companies in transport, logistics, and the private sector. Uzbekistan also plans to purchase ships from Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan and operate its own ferries on the Caspian Sea.
Another key project accelerating transport cooperation is the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway. This route offers a 900 km shorter path to European markets compared with Russian routes and could carry up to 15 million tonnes of cargo annually. Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan intend for goods transported via this railway to continue through the Turkmenistan-Caspian-Azerbaijan corridor.
Energy cooperation is also advancing. Plans are underway to generate electricity from Turkmen gas and transmit it via the Caspian to Azerbaijan and Europe, providing an alternative to the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline and addressing objections previously raised by Iran and Russia.
Additionally, SOCAR has begun oil exploration in Uzbekistan, with the potential discovery of a significant well in the near future. This will enhance Uzbekistan’s energy security and take energy cooperation with Azerbaijan to a new level.
Overall, trilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan is deepening ties among the Turkic states around the Caspian, increasing their strategic and transit significance between East and West. The expansion of this collaboration will also support Turkey’s energy security and reinforce its role as a transport hub.
Kazakhstan's grain sector faces a difficult season as drought reduces harvest prospects while mounting security risks in the Black Sea threaten to red...
Uzbekistan welcomed 6.56 million foreign tourists in the first six months of 2026, a 24.9% increase compared with the same period last year, according...
A Russian ballistic missile strike in Ukraine’s Kyiv region has killed 10 people and injured nearly 100 others at an event involving representatives...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 24th July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. strikes on Iran entered a 12th consecutive night, while Yemen's Houthis said they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, urging President Donald Trump to warn Tehran it would be held responsible for any future Houthi attacks.
The U.S. military said it completed a fresh wave of strikes on Iran late on Thursday, marking the 13th consecutive night of American attacks. The latest operation lasted more than two hours, according to U.S. Central Command.
Aleksandar Vučić's visit to Kyiv on 15 July appeared to send a geopolitical signal. But the significance of the trip lies less in the journey itself than in the limits Serbia carefully observed.
Spain has declared a national emergency and evacuated more than 10,000 people after uncontrolled wildfires reached the outskirts of Madrid. Emergency crews have rescued residents as multiple blazes continue to spread across the region.
A new state agency wants the world to take Georgian food as seriously as Georgians already do.
Kazakhstan's grain sector faces a difficult season as drought reduces harvest prospects while mounting security risks in the Black Sea threaten to redirect cheaper Russian grain into Central Asian markets.
Uzbekistan welcomed 6.56 million foreign tourists in the first six months of 2026, a 24.9% increase compared with the same period last year, according to the National Statistics Committee. The figures underline the country's growing appeal as one of Central Asia's leading travel destinations.
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis has condemned discussion of Bill H.R. 9087 by the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, rejecting what it described as unfounded accusations against Baku and warning the measure could undermine efforts to advance the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process.
Pakistan on Thursday warned Yemen's Houthi movement that any attack on Pakistani-flagged vessels or the country's maritime interests would cross a "red line" and trigger a response under its right to self-defence.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment