Pakistani expert: Kazakhstan–Azerbaijan “Caspian Bridge” will redefine Eurasian connectivity – INTERVIEW
Baku, November 4, AZERTAC
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have taken a landmark step toward deepening their strategic partnership, agreeing to establish a joint intermodal cargo terminal and a new Trans-Caspian ferry system named the “Caspian Bridge.” Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) and Azerbaijan Railways CJSC have signed a Term Sheet outlining the key terms for the terminal and a joint venture, while Samruk-Kazyna JSC and AZCON Holding have signed a cooperation agreement on the new ferry system.
To discuss the significance of these developments for the Middle Corridor and the wider region, AZERTAC spoke with Fatima Tuz Zehra, President of The Gulf Observer Research Forum and Editor-In-Chief of The Gulf Observer.
- Ms. Zehra, how do you view the agreements recently signed between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan?
- These agreements are a historic milestone. They show that Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are not simply talking about connectivity; they are building it, step by step, with clear vision and practical commitment. The joint intermodal cargo terminal and the “Caspian Bridge” ferry system bring the two shores of the Caspian Sea closer than ever before. I would describe this as a partnership of brotherly nations turning shared geography into shared prosperity.
- The project places particular emphasis on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the Middle Corridor. Why is this route so important today?
- The Middle Corridor has emerged as one of the most reliable and efficient bridges between Asia and Europe. In a world searching for stable, diversified and secure trade routes, this corridor offers exactly that. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan sit at its very heart. By developing container and other freight transportation together, they are strengthening a route that benefits not only their own economies but also partners in China, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Türkiye and Europe. Azerbaijan, under the wise leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, has invested consistently in becoming a regional logistics hub, and these agreements reflect that foresight.
- The documents were signed following a meeting between Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of the Management Board of Samruk-Kazyna, and the leadership of AZCON. What does this high-level engagement signal?
- It signals seriousness and trust. When the leadership of Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund and Azerbaijan’s state holding company AZCON sit together and discuss expanding investment and business cooperation, it tells the world that these projects have strong institutional backing. The discussions on joint projects show that this is a long-term relationship, not a one-time arrangement. Investors and international partners will certainly take note.
- Shipbuilding is also part of this cooperation. On October 15, during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s working visit to Baku for the CICA summit, documents were exchanged on building two multipurpose dry cargo vessels for KTZ Express Shipping at the Baku Shipyard. How do you assess this?
- This is a matter of great pride for Azerbaijan. The fact that Kazakhstan has chosen the Baku Shipyard to build vessels for the Middle Corridor is a strong testament to Azerbaijan’s industrial capabilities and the quality of its maritime infrastructure. It is also deeply symbolic that this exchange took place in Baku during the CICA summit, a platform dedicated to dialogue and confidence building in Asia. It shows that Azerbaijan is not only a transit country but a manufacturing and engineering partner contributing directly to regional connectivity.
- Kazakhstan expects to receive eight container vessels by 2028, four of them from the Baku Shipyard. What will this mean for Caspian trade?
- It means greater capacity, speed and reliability. As stated by Kasym Tlepov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Railway and Water Transport of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport, at a World Bank Group event on October 1, 2026, half of these vessels will be built in Baku and the other half in China. This is a wonderful example of how the Middle Corridor brings East and West together, even in the building of its own fleet. A stronger Caspian fleet will reduce bottlenecks, shorten delivery times and make the corridor even more competitive on the global stage.
- How do you see the future of Kazakhstan–Azerbaijan relations in light of these developments?
- I am very optimistic. The relationship between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan rests on common history, shared culture and mutual respect, and now it is being reinforced by concrete economic projects. The “Caspian Bridge” is a fitting name, because it is not only a bridge for cargo, but a bridge of friendship, trust and shared ambition. I believe the coming years will see these two nations emerge as the twin pillars of Eurasian connectivity.
- Finally, what message would you like to convey to the international community?
- My message is simple: watch the Caspian. What Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are building today will shape the trade map of tomorrow. These are nations that deliver on their promises. At The Gulf Observer, we will continue to follow and highlight these positive developments, because stories of cooperation and progress deserve to be told to the world.
- Thank you for your time, Ms. Zehra.
- Thank you, and my warmest wishes to the people of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
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