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Azerbaijan, located at the intersection of such international transport corridors as East-West and North-South and having a favorable geographical position, continues its own development, said the message of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
The message, addressed to the participants of the “Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line – new opportunities in the development of the Silk Road” international conference, was read out by Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Abid Sharifov.
President Aliyev said in his message that the country develops transport services, creates modern infrastructure, improves transport management mechanisms and expands the integration into the international transport system.
In his message, Ilham Aliyev also said that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line will be put into operation in the near future.
“This railway junction is effective from an economic point of view, stable, secure and fully complies with environmental standards,” the message said. “It means the beginning of a new stage in the transport development. This railway line will expand the multi-modal transportation opportunities and ensure the growth of passenger and freight transportation.”
The president in his letter also noted that a state-of-the-art ferry terminal of a new complex of the Baku Sea Port has already started working.
“The port will be ready for commissioning in 2015,” said the message. “Its cargo transportation capacity will be gradually increased to 25 million metric tons and one million containers per year. Creating such infrastructure is a contribution to the development of trade and transit transportation between Asia and Europe along the Silk Road route, as well as more efficient use of transport and transit potential of the Caspian region.”
In his message, President Aliyev said the conference held with the participation of representatives of various countries and international organizations, creates broad opportunities for discussing the relevant transport issues, as well as expanding business contacts and exchanging experience.
“I hope that the discussions to be held at the conference will encourage the development of the Europe-Caucasus-Asia corridor, promotion and implementation of new initiatives at the international and regional levels,” the message said. “I wish all of you robust health and success in your activity for the sake of safety and welfare of your countries.”
Trend.az
