Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan resume passenger service on the Caspian - PHOTO

The development of transport and logistics cooperation, in particular interaction between the port of Alat and the Kazakh ports of Aktau and Kuryk, an increase in freight traffic volumes and the implementation of joint infrastructure projects became the main topic of talks between Eldar Salahov, general director of the Baku International Sea Trade Port of Alat, and Alim Bayel, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan.

According to the Kazakh Embassy in Baku, the ambassador thanked the Azerbaijani side for supporting Kazakhstan's initiative to resume passenger transportation on the Kuryk – Baku – Kuryk ferry line. The diplomat noted that before they were halted, about 1,500 passengers a year used this route, and expressed confidence that in the coming period there will be even more people wishing to make the journey, which will strengthen tourist exchange and expand the opportunities of the Middle Corridor.

E. Salahov confirmed the Baku port's interest in further deepening cooperation with Kazakh partners and emphasized the importance of coordinating the efforts of port operators and logistics organizations. Regarding passenger transportation, he said that work in this direction has already begun in close contact with Kazakh colleagues.

In addition, Ambassador A. Bayel called on the Azerbaijani side to speed up the construction of a joint intermodal terminal at the port of Alat in accordance with the previously reached agreement.

E. Salahov provided information on the current situation, noting that after the update of the master plan for the development of the Baku port is completed, work on the construction of this facility is expected to begin.

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue close cooperation and to support the implementation of joint projects.