This event, observed via video link by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Tokayev in Baku, marks a notable milestone in the bilateral relations and connectivity between the two nations and China.
The journey of the 61 containers, starting from Xi’an Province in China and covering a distance of 7,000 kilometers over 11 days, illustrates the efficiency and strategic importance of this new route. After traversing Kazakhstan, the containers were shipped across the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan, demonstrating the viability of this corridor in reducing transit times and fostering trade.
This development comes at a time when President Tokayev is on a two-day official visit to Azerbaijan, which includes his participation in the inaugural session of the Azerbaijani-Kazakh interstate council. During this visit, the two countries signed several agreements aimed at bolstering SMEs, investment cooperation, and enhancing the energy partnership through increased transportation of Kazakh oil to Western markets via Azerbaijan. These agreements signify a deepening of ties and mutual economic benefits for both nations.
Moreover, the anticipated increase in Kazakhstan oil output, particularly with the expansion of the Tengiz oil field, coupled with the strategic energy agreement between SOCAR and KazMunaiGas, underscores the growing synergy in the energy sector between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
As members of the Organization of Turkic States, alongside other Central Asian and regional countries, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan’s collaboration extends beyond bilateral interests, contributing to the broader integration and cooperation within the Turkic world. This initiative not only strengthens their economic and logistical capabilities but also positions them as pivotal players in the Eurasian trade and energy corridors, fostering regional development and connectivity.
