Implementation of the strategy for development of the TRACECA corridor – in the focus of discussions at the bilateral meeting of the Secretary General with the TRACECA NS in Azerbaijan

The meeting concentrated on discussing the status of Azerbaijan's participation in current TRACECA initiatives and projects, as well as expanding the perspectives for cooperation in the format of TRACECA country-the PS within the framework of development of the International Transport Corridor Europe-the Caucasus-Asia.

The key aspects of the meeting Agenda were the issues of introducing the practical application of the CIM/SMGS consignment note, designed to facilitate and speed up the process of cargo transportation; evaluation of checkpoints on the corridor, aimed at identifying bottlenecks and finding solutions for their optimization; implementation of the Action Plan for 2022-2026.

Exchange of opinions was also carried through in relation to the country’s position on the draft Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with OTIF, as well as the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for enhancing scientific and technical cooperation between national higher education institutions (academies) of the TRACECA countries in the field of civil aviation. In addition, the degree of readiness of Azerbaijan to sign the draft Action Plan of the Trilateral Working Group between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan on Improving Connectivity in the Caspian Sea was discussed.

During the meeting, the Secretary General of the PS IGC TRACECA, Mr. Assavbayev A. emphasized the importance of coordination of activities and joint work to achieve the set goals in TRACECA region.

In turn, the NS in Azerbaijan, Mr Aliyev F. assured the Secretary General, Mr Assavbayev A. of his readiness for timely assistance and active participation in TRACECA projects and initiatives for development of the corridor.

For reference:

• TRACECA is an internationally recognized programme that unites the transport system of 14 countries of the "Basic Multilateral Agreement on International Transport for Development of the Europe-the Caucasus-Asia corridor" (MLA) that pursue to develop economic relations, trade and transport communication in the regions of Europe, the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Caspian Sea and Asia.
• The Republic of Azerbaijan is a member state of the MLA, actively participating in the implementation of projects and initiatives of the PS IGC TRACECA; MFA of Azerbaijan is the Depositary of the MLA.