In recent years, transport cooperation among Central Asian countries has been gaining momentum, fostering stronger economic ties and optimizing logistical routes. Against this backdrop, the recent agreements between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, reached during the trilateral summit of the heads of state of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan’s “Awaza” tourist zone, have attracted particular attention. These initiatives touch upon both maritime and air transport, promising significant acceleration of cargo and passenger flows between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport, Ilkhom Makhkamov, shared details in an interview with the O’zbekiston 24 television channel.
One of the key steps in advancing cooperation is Uzbekistan’s intention to launch its own ferry service on the Caspian Sea. According to Makhkamov, the growing volume of cargo transportation along this route has led to significant delays of up to 30–40 days. Owning its own fleet will allow Uzbekistan to substantially reduce these delays and enhance the efficiency of transporting Uzbek goods.
During the Awaza summit, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the development of cooperation in shipbuilding. The document was inked by Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Mammetkhan Chakiyev, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport, Ilkhom Makhkamov. This MoU fixes the parties’ intentions to expand collaboration in the strategically important shipbuilding sector and creates conditions for addressing technical and commercial issues seamlessly.
“Shipbuilding facilities are operational in both Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. We have agreed to explore and consider the possibility of purchasing vessels from these enterprises. All technical aspects need to be worked out, and the signed document provides the framework for addressing technical and commercial matters freely,” Makhkamov noted.
Another significant achievement is the agreement to resume direct air connectivity between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Currently, there are no direct flights between the two countries, but their launch could facilitate business ties and tourism. As Makhkamov reported, the relevant document has already been signed, and regular flights are anticipated to start soon.
Following the negotiations in Awaza, a joint protocol on the development of cooperation in civil aviation was signed. Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport represented the Uzbek side, while Turkmenistan was represented by the state agency “Turkmenhowayollary” (Turkmenistan Airlines). This agreement paves the way for resuming direct flights, strengthening the integration of the two countries’ transport systems and promoting growth in mutual trade and cultural exchanges.