Turkmenistan is interested in developing the Caspian region's transit potential through mutually beneficial cooperation. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, speaking at a meeting of the CIS Economic Council in Ashgabat, according to the news website Turkmenportal.

‘For Turkmenistan, the Caspian region is a vital part of the international transport and logistics network. We are keen to further develop its transit potential on the basis of mutually beneficial cooperation,’ said Geldimyradov.

According to him, the development of transport connectivity within the Commonwealth is one of Turkmenistan’s main priorities during its chairmanship of the CIS. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that modern transport infrastructure is becoming one of the key factors in economic development, and that transport today is directly linked to trade and investment.

‘The CIS region has a unique geographical location and is capable of playing a vital role in establishing sustainable transport links between Europe and Asia. In this regard, we attach particular importance to the development of the North–South and East–West international transport corridors,’ he emphasised.

H. Geldimyradov recalled that, as part of its chairmanship, Turkmenistan had put forward an initiative to declare 2029 the Year of Transport Connectivity.

‘It is important that this thematic year becomes not only a symbolic event, but also a practical platform for the implementation of specific projects. This involves the development of transport infrastructure, international routes, the digitalisation of transport, the expansion of intermodal links, the enhancement of transport security, and the removal of existing infrastructural and administrative barriers,’ the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.