Kallas: Middle Corridor is of great importance for ensuring regional connectivity

The Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (or Middle Corridor), which the EU is supporting with around 90 million euros, is of great importance for ensuring regional connectivity in Central Asia, said Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, in an interview with Kazpravda, Report informs.

According to Kallas, Today, Central Asia is of great importance not only in terms of its resources and geographical importance for regional stability, but also in terms of investment potential.

"This is why the EU is a top provider of development assistance in Central Asia. From our support for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor to investments in digital development in the region, we see many opportunities for both sides," Kallas said.

She noted that after the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began, the EU had to look for alternative, reliable and efficient trade and transport routes between Europe and Asia that would not pass through Russian territory.

"Last year, the EU launched a special platform that brings together representatives of governments, donors and development banks to discuss the implementation of priority transport projects in the region. For example, projects to modernize the ports of Aktau and Turkmenbashi," the top EU official noted.

The International Trans-Caspian Transport Route (Middle Corridor) connects the countries of Europe and Asia, passing through China, Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.