BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 23. During the visit of
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Brussels, a 150
million euro framework loan was signed with the EU to upgrade key
road sections along the Trans-Caspian International Transport
Corridor (TITR or Middle Corridor).
The announcement was made by European Commission President
Ursula von der Leyen on X.
“Today we signed 4 major agreements on connectivity, innovation
and Kazakh–EU economic ties. Horizontal Aviation Agreement on
alignment of air traffic rights. A €150 million framework loan to
upgrade key road links along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.
Agreement between Air Astana and Airbus for up to 50 aircraft. MoU
on an internationally accredited research lab for critical raw
materials in Astana,” she wrote.
Meanwhile, as part of the official visit of President
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Kingdom of Belgium at the invitation
of the President of the European Council António Costa on June
22–23, an international business conference titled “Strengthening
EU–Kazakhstan Connectivity: Prospects and Strategic Potential of
the Middle Corridor” was held in Brussels.
The Middle Corridor is a transport and trade route passing
through several countries in the region and connecting Asia with
Europe. It serves as an alternative to the traditional Northern and
Southern Corridors.
The route begins in China and passes through the countries of
Central Asia. It then crosses the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia,
and Türkiye before reaching Europe. It is a land route that
bypasses longer sea routes connecting the eastern regions of Asia,
including China, with Europe.
