Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, the Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, on Tuesday said the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway would play a vital role in the Middle Corridor and represents not only an alternative transport route but also a strategic railway hub and secure corridor of global significance.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the renewed Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line, Uraloğlu noted that the project reflected the strong cooperation and shared vision of Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

“With the opening of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, we are witnessing the first tangible outcome of the strong cooperation and common vision shared by Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. This important project was implemented through the joint efforts of our three countries”, he said.

The Minister thanked Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for hosting the event and expressed appreciation to the governments of Georgia and Azerbaijan.

“I am pleased that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is now ready to operate at full capacity. First of all, I would like to thank Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for his hospitality and express my respect for the Government of our friendly country, Georgia. I would also like to thank our brotherly country, Azerbaijan, and all representatives present here today”, he noted.

“Today, we are not only talking about the opening of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. We are witnessing the first steps of strong cooperation and a shared vision among Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. This significant project was realised through the combined efforts of these three countries”, Uraloğlu continued.

He further added that all necessary works on the Georgian section required for the railway to operate at full capacity have now been completed. 

“With this development, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will play a crucial role in the Middle Corridor, which is of great importance internationally, particularly as alternative transport routes become increasingly essential during times of crisis”, the Minister said.

“This project is not merely an alternative transportation route; it is a strategic railway hub and a secure corridor of global significance. Safe transport routes are becoming increasingly important, and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is a clear example of this. Following the completion of rehabilitation and construction works on the Georgian side, an international transport corridor of global importance is now being presented through the shared vision of Georgia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan”, Uraloğlu concluded.