Azerbaijani envoy to Russia evaluates prospects for freight flow via North-South ITC

The freight flow through the western branch of the North-South International Transport Corridor (ITC), which will provide direct transportation between Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran, could potentially reach 30 million tons, with initial volumes of 5 million tons and at least 15 million tons per year during the second phase, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Russia Rahman Mustafayev said during a meeting with St. Petersburg media representatives, which was timed to coincide with the informal CIS summit in the Leningrad region, Report informs via TASS.

"The cooperation agreement we recently signed with the Russian side for developing transit cargo transportation along the North-South ITC is a historic agreement. It defines the conditions for cooperation between the two countries in developing railway infrastructure and transit transportation. Its goal is to increase the efficiency of transport connections and expand the potential of the western route of the North-South ITC," he said.

According to him, under the agreement, the Azerbaijani side will ensure the modernization of its railway infrastructure and the capacity of railway border crossings for the first phase no later than December 31, 2027.

"Upon completion of these works, the Russian [side] must ensure the presentation of goods for transit transportation to Iran in a volume of at least 5 million tons. With an interested approach from all parties, the volume of cargo transportation can be increased to 15 million tons and even up to 30 million tons, which guarantees that the project will become a strong factor in regional cooperation, collaboration, and stability," said Mustafayev.

In December, the Russian government approved a draft agreement between Moscow and Baku on joint development of transit cargo transportation along the North-South International Transport Corridor. The document states that the agreement's purpose is to "increase the efficiency of transport connections and expand the potential of the western route of the North-South ITC."

Russia and Azerbaijan will ensure the free movement of goods through their territories during transit transportation, taking into account the document's requirements and the legislation of both countries. The document also establishes a guaranteed volume of cargo that must be transported from Russia to Azerbaijan annually after the railway infrastructure upgrade.

From January 1, 2028, it will be at least 5 million tons, and after the adoption of the relevant decision, it will increase to 15 million tons each year.