Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated in his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kars-Igdir-Aralık-Dilujü railway that they are experiencing indescribable excitement and joy over the start of the construction of the railway, which will open the door to the “Zangezur Corridor” and mark a new era of peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus.

Uraloğlu explained that Turkey is located at the crossroads of continents, civilizations, and ancient transport routes, such as the historical Silk Road and the Spice Road, both geographically and culturally.

“Today, by taking one of the first concrete steps towards the implementation of the “Zangezur Corridor”, the Kars-Igdir-Aralık-Diluj railway line, we are making our contribution not only to the future of Turkey, but also to the entire South Caucasus and Eurasia. This project is a roadmap for international peace and prosperity. The “Zangezur Corridor” will strengthen economic cooperation between Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia and strengthen regional peace. It will begin a golden era of global trade for the whole world, especially for the countries participating in the middle corridor,” he said.

According to the Turkish minister, this project will expand economic cooperation in the South Caucasus, accelerate opening borders, and normalize diplomatic relations.

“The socio-economic, geopolitical, and geostrategic characteristics of the Zangezur Corridor connecting Central Asia, the Caspian region, Azerbaijan, and Armenia with Turkey, as well as the expansion of the railway network between Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Armenia, will pave the way for a positive impact on regional and global trade. The implementation of the Zangezur Corridor, along with the construction of sections of the corridor in Nakhichevan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, will increase the efficiency of the international trade route from China to Britain,” he stressed.

Uraloğlu noted that the railway will strengthen Eurasian supply routes by supporting global networks such as the Trans-Caspian Transport Route and the North-South International Transport Corridor.