Baku: The Middle Corridor is gaining strategic importance, Binali Yildirim, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States, said at the opening ceremony of the 13th Global Baku Forum.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian route, is emerging as a strategic alternative connecting the Far East with Europe. Recent global developments have underscored the necessity for such alternative connections, as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted traditional transport routes across Eurasia. Additionally, rising tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States, and Israel are contributing to uncertainties in the global energy market and international trade. This situation highlights the vulnerabilities of global supply chains in times of geopolitical tension, making diverse and reliable transport corridors increasingly vital for economic stability.

Binali Yildirim emphasized that the Middle Corridor presents faster and diversified routes linking Asia and Europe, thereby enhancing economic cooperation among nations. Currently, approximately 5-6 million tons of cargo are transported annually through this corridor. With ongoing infrastructure development, improved logistics coordination, and enhanced customs procedures, growth prospects appear promising. Next year, there will be a significant increase in border crossing capacities, reducing transit times, transportation costs, and improving trade flow efficiency across Eurasia. For Central Asian countries, this corridor opens up opportunities to access global markets. For Azerbaijan, it solidifies its position as a key logistics hub in the Caspian region, while for Turkey, it strengthens its role as a critical gateway between Asia and Europe.