Turkmenistan Showcases Railway Ambitions at Global Rail Expo in Abu Dhabi

A delegation from Turkmenistan, led by Minister of Railway Transport Mammet Akmammedov, has participated in the prestigious international exhibition and conference “Global Rail” held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

At the event, Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Railway Transport showcased key international projects and transport infrastructure models at the international projects pavilion, The Caspian Post informs via Turkmen media.

On the opening day, the delegation was warmly received by Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, who praised the swift progress made in railway cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UAE. A significant highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Railway Transport and the Etihad Rail Company, marking a major step forward in bilateral collaboration.

The MoU outlines joint efforts to implement international railway projects, promotes the exchange of expertise between the two countries’ railway authorities, and explores opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. This agreement sets the stage for deeper partnership and aims to attract necessary investments for advancing railway initiatives on an international scale.

Further strengthening ties, the Turkmen delegation held a bilateral meeting with Shadi Malak, Director General of Etihad Rail Company. The discussion focused on the strategic importance of ongoing and future railway projects. Malak announced plans for an official Etihad Rail delegation visit to Turkmenistan in early October, underscoring the high level of cooperation and rapid progress between the two nations.

In another key meeting, Turkmen Minister of Railway Transport met with Mohammad Ishaq Sahibzada, Deputy Minister of Public Works for Railway Transport of Afghanistan. The talks centered on increasing cargo traffic between the countries and resolving existing challenges. The Afghan side reported progress on the warehouse complex at Turgundi station and expressed appreciation for Turkmenistan’s support. The discussion also covered the Turgundi-Herat railway project, a humanitarian initiative designed to improve access to affordable food and essential goods for millions of residents in Herat Province. This project holds strategic significance for the transport networks of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and the broader Central Asian region.

Finally, the Turkmen delegation met with Rashed Mohammed Al Kaabi, Deputy Director General of the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, to explore financing options for railway projects. Al Kaabi shared insights on funding challenges and expressed willingness to consider financial support for these initiatives.