Erdogan announced the revival of the Silk Road through the development of the Middle Corridor
This was stated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a video address to participants of the second meeting of transport ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which took place in Istanbul.
According to the Turkish leader, Ankara supports the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route project, known as the Middle Corridor, which connects China and Europe via Central Asia and the Caucasus. The total length of road, rail and sea routes within this route exceeds 6,500 kilometres.
Erdogan stressed that in today's world, geographical distances are losing their significance, and strategic ties are becoming decisive for economic development. Turkey seeks to strengthen integration with OIC member states, develop cross-border corridors and create added value through joint infrastructure projects.
The president recalled the large-scale infrastructure projects that have already been implemented in the country. These include the Marmaray railway project in Istanbul, the Eurasia Tunnel under the Bosphorus, and the Çanakkale 1915 and Yavuz Sultan Selim bridges. According to him, these projects have strengthened global trade routes, increased freight and passenger traffic, enhanced maritime transport capacity, and made Turkey one of the leading centres of global air transport.
The Middle Corridor has become particularly important since the start of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions against Russia. Under these conditions, the northern route through Russian territory has become less profitable and problematic for international logistics.
Erdogan stressed that the countries of the Islamic world have significant potential thanks to their favourable geographical location, young population and growing markets. At the same time, realising this potential requires efficient, reliable and integrated transport networks that will connect the regions of Eurasia into a single economic system.
