Uzbekistan Plans to Use Zangezur Corridor for Transport of Strategic Cargo

First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan Railways, Khikmatulla Rakhmetov, has said that Uzbekistan is preparing to utilize the Zangezur Corridor for the movement of strategically important cargo once the route becomes operational.

Rakhmetov said the corridor will serve not only Uzbekistan’s own shipments but also freight destined for or originating from neighboring countries, The Caspian Post informs via local media.

“In the future, once the Zangezur Corridor becomes operational, Uzbekistan will consider it for transporting strategically important cargo both from the country and to the country, as well as for neighboring states,” he noted.

He highlighted that Uzbekistan’s cooperation with Azerbaijan is strengthening rapidly, with cargo volumes increasing at a geometric pace. Nearly all categories of goods are now transported through Azerbaijani and Georgian routes, which continue expanding as major components of the Middle Corridor.

“Azerbaijan’s potential in the Middle Corridor is well known. It plays a key role by providing transit access to Europe, as well as to South and North America, and in the opposite direction to Central Asia. Azerbaijan Railways offers us significant support,” Rakhmetov said.

He added that during the 83rd meeting of the CIS Council for Rail Transport in Baku, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation. He thanked Azerbaijan for assisting Uzbek specialists in working with the new Alat Port and emphasized that bilateral ties will continue to strengthen with the support of both countries’ leaders.

“We are seeing new and potential routes emerging. The Zangezur Corridor will be commissioned soon, and we view it very positively,” he said.

Rakhmetov said that the new corridor will boost Azerbaijan’s transit capacity, expand Uzbekistan’s export and import routes, and increase cargo flows for neighboring Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. It is also expected to reduce transit costs and significantly stimulate international transport through the Middle Corridor.

He noted that Uzbekistan already ships strategically important goods-such as oil products and chemical fertilizers-through Azerbaijan to Europe. “These goods are vital for the food and energy security of partner countries and remain a priority for transportation via Azerbaijan,” Rakhmetov concluded.