TRACECA made an intervention at the Global Transport Connectivity Forum in Istanbul

In his opening speech, H.E. Mr. Erdoğan, President of Türkiye emphasized the importance of strengthening global transport connectivity as one of the key factors of sustainable development. In addition, he highlighted the importance of integrating the Middle Corridor with the Belt and Road Initiative, noting that it is a strategically significant project that will reduce the transit time between Europe and Asia to less than 15 days.

In his turn, during welcoming address to the forum participants, Mr. Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye, noted that holding the Global Transport Connectivity Forum in Istanbul was an important step towards creating a sustainable and inclusive international transport dialogue, especially in a rapidly changing geo-economic environment.

The Agenda of the forum covered the development of more integrated and sustainable global transport networks. Panel discussions on fostering sustainable development, green transition, making supply chains more reliable, application of artificial intelligence and other innovative practices, as well as effective approaches to financing and strengthening cooperation at the global level were held.

Participants paid special attention to the high-level session “The Evolving Geometry of the Trans-Caspian East-West-Middle Corridor: New Gateways, New Possibilities". The speakers of the session emphasized the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor, noting its role as a key route between Europe and Asia.

During his speech, Mr. Asset Assavbayev, Secretary General of the PS IGC TRACECA, noted that “in order to ensure effective institutional coordination and management along the corridor, governments, regional platforms and international bodies need to build complex cooperation". “It should be built by establishing and strengthening coordinating bodies and platforms, harmonization and standardization, avoiding duplication and optimizing resources, as well as broad involvement of stakeholders”, - Mr. A.A. Assavbayev said in his speech.

For reference:

- The event was attended by Ministers from more than 50 countries, as well as heads and leading representatives of international financial institutions and specialized transport organizations, including TRACECA, UNECE, ECO, IRU, ITF and others.

- TRACECA includes the transport system of 14 member countries united by the idea of developing the international transport corridor Europe-the Caucasus-Asia. The Organization traditionally takes an active part in global transport dialogues, demonstrating its commitment to promoting sustainable development and strengthening international partnership.