The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars [BTK] railway would play a vital role in the Middle Corridor and represents not only an alternative transport route but also a strategic railway hub and secure corridor of global significance. Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure said this at the inauguration ceremony of the renewed BTK railway line.

“With the opening of the BTK railway, we are witnessing the first tangible outcome of the strong cooperation and common vision shared by Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. This important project was implemented through the joint efforts of our three countries.

I am pleased that the BTK railway is now ready to operate at full capacity. First of all, I would like to thank Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for his hospitality and express my respect for the Government of our friendly country, Georgia. I would also like to thank our brotherly country, Azerbaijan, and all representatives present here today.

Today, we are not only talking about the opening of the BTK railway. We are witnessing the first steps of strong cooperation and a shared vision among Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. This significant project was realised through the combined efforts of these three countries.

All necessary works on the Georgian section required for the railway to operate at full capacity have now been completed… With this development, the BTK railway will play a crucial role in the Middle Corridor, which is of great importance internationally, particularly as alternative transport routes become increasingly essential during times of crisis.

This project is not merely an alternative transportation route; it is a strategic railway hub and a secure corridor of global significance. Safe transport routes are becoming increasingly important, and the BTK railway is a clear example of this. Following the completion of rehabilitation and construction works on the Georgian side, an international transport corridor of global importance is now being presented through the shared vision of Georgia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan”, - said Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.