Uzbekistan is considering purchasing ferries from a Turkmen shipyard, according to Uzbekistan's Minister of Transport Ilhom Mahkamov, as reported by the Orient news agency.

According to the Minister, having its own fleet will help speed up cargo transportation across the Caspian Sea, where delays currently reach 30-40 days. I. Mahkamov emphasised the importance of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan for the development of the Middle Corridor, where they provide transportation across the Caspian Sea due to their port infrastructure.

At the trilateral summit of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, a Memorandum of Cooperation in the transport and logistics sector was signed, including the creation of joint ventures and privileges for cargo transportation.

A Memorandum of Cooperation in shipbuilding was also signed in Ashgabat between Ilhom Mahkamov and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammethan Chakiyev. Uzbekistan intends to use ferries to increase transport volumes across the Caspian Sea.

In addition, the parties agreed to develop cooperation in the field of civil aviation: a Protocol was signed on the launch of direct flights between the two countries.