Azerbaijan is Building an Oil Tanker as a Gift to Turkmenistan. An Air Bridge is on the Agenda.
Avaza, September 18 | ORIENT. Our correspondent spoke with Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Economy, Sahib Alekperov, on the sidelines of the Avaza Investment Forum. The official confirmed that the Azerbaijani government has decided to gift Turkmenistan an 8,000-ton oil tanker as a sign of "brotherly relations." He mentioned this decision in his speech at the plenary session.
According to Sahib Alekperov, the project is slated for completion by the end of this year or early next year.
During the conversation, he also touched on other aspects of transport cooperation, demonstrating that cooperation extends beyond symbolic gestures.
The Deputy Minister recalled the recent trilateral meeting in Avaza in August, during which Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan signed a memorandum on the development of international air route. According to him, the implementation of this document will further strengthen relations between the countries.
A direct air bridge over the sea will create opportunities for increased cross-border business, tourist, and guest visits, he noted, expressing confidence that such a convenient air route will be in high demand among passengers.
Developing the transport theme, Sahib Alekperov emphasized that logistical connectivity between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan is beneficial to all countries on the continent, especially the Caspian region.
"Just as they used to say that all roads lead to Rome, now we can say that all roads lead through Turkmenistan," the official remarked, using a historical analogy. "Because it is the shortest route between Europe and Asia."
He expressed confidence that active cooperation between the two countries in this area will lead to significant changes in the investment climate and yield significant results. He believed that Ashgabat and Baku have all the conditions for this, as excellent relations at the highest level naturally influence political dialogue and economic ties.
