Abdulkadir Uraloğlu: Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is of strategic significance for region, world, as connecting node between Asia and Europe

“Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is of strategic importance not only for the region, but also for the world, as a connecting node between Asia and Europe,” said Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu during the inaugural ceremony of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line.

According to Uraloğlu, the project is completed, and cargo transportation between the two continents will now be possible 24 hours a day. He commended the Georgian Prime Minister for his hospitality and extended his respect to the governments of two brotherly countries – Georgia and Azerbaijan.

“Today we do not only speak about the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway opening. These are the first steps of strong cooperation and common vision among Turkiye, Georgia and Azerbaijan. The significant project implemented through joint efforts of the three countries is a reality. Its successful completion was very important. Today, all the work necessary for the railway to operate at full capacity has been completed on the Georgian side,” he said.

Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure noted that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway assigned an important role to the Middle Corridor as “an alternative and safe transit route in crisis conditions.”

“In the 21st century, it is of great importance not only to the strength of production, but also to how safely we can transport our manufactured products and to ensure that this Middle Corridor works properly. Its operation is significant both for the region and the world,” he said.

Abdulkadir Uraloğlu emphasized that the new railway line will be significant as a connecting node between Asia and Europe.

“We will take steps to operate South, North and East-West corridors, and this was the key point. The project is completed, and cargo transportation between the two continents will now be possible 24 hours a day. This is based on a truly strong and friendly relationship among Turkiye, Georgia and Azerbaijan.

I extend my gratitude to all those who participated in the implementation of this project and contributed to its becoming fully operational. Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line’s operation with full capacity is of great importance to our region, Georgia, Turkey and Azerbaijan,” he said.