Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) Chairman Rovshan Rustamov has taken part in the 8th New Silk Way Business Forum during a visit to Kazakhstan, holding talks on expanding regional rail cooperation, developing the Middle Corridor and increasing transit freight volumes.

The forum was held under the theme “Digital Silk Way: Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Logistics Technologies”, according to ADY.

Discussions focused on the impact of digital transformation on the transport and logistics sector, the use of artificial intelligence, and the role of modern technologies in improving the efficiency of international freight transportation.

Rustamov also visited TransLogistica Kazakhstan 2026, an international exhibition held alongside the forum. ADY participated with its own stand, where the railway chief reviewed advanced transport and logistics solutions and technologies presented at the event.

On the sidelines of the forum, representatives of ADY and AZCON met with Yelzhas Otynshiyev, chairman of the management board of Kazakhstan’s national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy.

The sides discussed opportunities to expand cooperation between the two countries’ railway operators, develop the Middle Corridor, increase transit freight volumes and introduce digital solutions.

Rustamov also met with Zufar Narzullaev, chairman of the management board of Uzbekistan Railways. Their discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation in rail transport, making more effective use of international transport corridors and improving coordination of freight operations.

The meetings highlighted the importance of coordinating the transit potential of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to strengthen regional transport connectivity.

The parties also emphasized the need to develop railway infrastructure and logistics services, while improving digital information exchange to make cross-border freight transportation more efficient.

Closer coordination among three countries could help strengthen their role in international transport networks and support the continued development of the Middle Corridor as a key route connecting Asia and Europe.