PM Ali Asadov Highlights Role of Middle Corridor, Zangezur Link at OTS Meeting

Bishkek, The Gulf Observer: The meeting of the Heads of Government and Vice Presidents of the Member States of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, on September 18, with the participation of Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister, Ali Asadov.

In his address, Prime Minister Asadov underscored the significance of collective efforts by Turkic-speaking nations to ensure stability, security, and prosperity. He stressed that mutually beneficial interaction among member states provides new opportunities to enhance trade and economic ties, foster growth, and diversify transport corridors. He also emphasized that Azerbaijan has established strategic partnerships and alliances with all OTS members at the bilateral level.

Pointing to the positive momentum in economic relations, Asadov noted that Azerbaijan’s trade with OTS member states grew by more than 8 percent from January to July this year. He further highlighted investment cooperation, stating that Azerbaijan’s investments in OTS countries amount to nearly $21 billion, while joint investment funds with several members have been created to promote mutual investments in priority sectors of the economy.

On transport connectivity, the Prime Minister underlined the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor, which passes through Turkic states and plays a crucial role in expanding global trade and transport relations. He stressed that the agreements recently reached in Washington on linking mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic are of historical significance. According to him, the opening of the Zangezur Corridor will not only create new economic and transit opportunities for all regional states but also increase throughput capacity by integrating into the Middle Corridor.

The meeting also reviewed the OTS’s role in fostering prosperity, development, and integration within the Turkic world. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, transport, energy, and agriculture, as well as on strengthening the use of OTS mechanisms to broaden multilateral collaboration.

At the conclusion of the event, a Joint Statement of the Heads of Government and Vice Presidents of OTS Member States was adopted.