Russia urges closer cooperation with Azerbaijan and Iran on North-South Corridor

Russia is calling for enhanced trilateral cooperation with Azerbaijan and Iran to advance the implementation of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), address existing bottlenecks, and accelerate progress on previously agreed initiatives, Viktoria Malkova, Deputy Director of the First CIS Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said during the international roundtable titled "Shaping Eurasia's Transport Framework and Azerbaijan's Key Role in the Process," held in Baku.

According to Report, Malkova emphasized that transport and logistics cooperation occupies a special place in the Russia-Azerbaijan relationship, which is built on the principles of strategic partnership and alliance.

"We are engaged in numerous joint projects aimed at developing all modes of transportation, integrating road networks, and modernizing border checkpoints. New initiatives are also emerging, including maritime transport projects such as the launch of Caspian Sea cruise routes," the diplomat noted.

She underscored that particular attention is being given to unlocking Azerbaijan's transit and geographic potential in support of the North-South Corridor, which she described as strategically vital for enhancing regional transport connectivity.