Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 14 September 2023, the Second meeting of the heads of railway administrations of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in Istanbul, where a number of important issues of interaction and general cooperation were discussed.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary General of the OTS K. Omuraliev, the Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Temir Yollari JSC Z. Narzullaev, the Chairman of the Board and General Director of the transport joint-stock company "Turkish State Railways" (TCDD Taşımacılık A.Ş.) U. Yalcin, General Director State Enterprise NC "Kyrgyz Temir Zholy" A. Sakiyev, Deputy Chairman of the Board of CJSC "Azərbaycan Dəmir Yolları" I. Huseynov and Deputy Chairman of the Board for Strategy of JSC NC "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy" A. Akhmetzhanov.

During the meeting, one of the issues discussed was the launch of the first freight block train from Turkey to Uzbekistan in December 2022. The meeting participants expressed their support for the initiatives of the UTC to organize similar block trains between other member states and observer states.

The possibilities of creating cost-effective and timely international railway corridors within the framework of the OTS were also discussed. Participants noted the importance of developing multimodal transport routes, especially the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway line. This corridor has great potential for strengthening trade and economic ties between OTS member countries and neighboring regions. Also the sides discussed the possibility of creating alternative, cost-effective and timely international railway corridors in the OTS coverage area.

The strategic development of railway infrastructure and the improvement of the regulatory framework also became the subject of discussion. The meeting participants agreed on the need to take measures to eliminate problems and shortcomings, as well as to develop public-private partnerships.

As a result of the meeting, it was decided to determine the dates and place of the Third Meeting of the heads of railway administrations of the OTS member states. This will allow us to continue constructive dialogue and cooperation in the field of railway transport, as well as develop new strategies and projects for the further development of this important industry.