Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu attended the 9th International Transportation and Infrastructure Project held in Xi'an, People's Republic of China. He made important statements at the Silk Road International Fair. Minister Uraloğlu said that Türkiye is a leader in freight transportation between China and Europe. a fast, reliable and predictable route and The Middle Corridor creates a natural synergy with the Belt and Road Initiative Uraloğlu also noted that Türkiye supports the Belt and Road Initiative within the framework of the win-win principle.
From the Historical Silk Road to Modern Transportation Networks
Minister Uraloğlu reminded that Xi'an, the eastern starting point of the Silk Road, is one of the oldest capitals of China, and stated that the historical trade route started from China and extended to Anatolia via Central Asia, and that Istanbul was the last stop on this line. He stated that they came together to carry forward the Silk Road tradition, which has been the path of not only trade but also cultures, ideas and friendship for thousands of years, by blending it with the requirements of the age.
Uraloğlu said, “The transportation sector is not just a matter of infrastructure; is the cornerstone of economic security, regional integration and peace" he said, drawing attention to the strategic importance of transportation.
The Middle Corridor: A Reliable Bridge Between China and Europe
Türkiye is located at the intersection of Asia, Europe and Africa. its strategic locationUnderlining that it offers a globally accessible, sustainable and multi-modal transportation infrastructure, Minister Uraloğlu continued his words as follows:
"We are pioneering large-scale projects to strengthen the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, known as the Middle Corridor. “The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway offers a fast, reliable and predictable route for freight transport between Türkiye, China and Europe, with our modern ports, logistics centers and digital transformation in customs processes.”
Alignment with the Belt and Road Initiative: “Win-Win Principle”
Uraloğlu said that the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor Initiative, which envisions the revival of the Silk Road, is in line with the Belt and Road Initiative of the People's Republic of China, which aims to develop connectivity between the East and the West. creates a natural synergy In this context, he stated that Türkiye supports the Belt and Road Initiative within the framework of the win-win principle.
Minister Uraloğlu reminded that the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Harmonization of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and the Middle Corridor Initiative was signed in Antalya and said, “We can see this as an action of harmonization, The China-Europe Railway Express is one of the most concrete and successful examples of logistics bridges between Asia and Europe. “As Türkiye, we are pleased to take an active role in this planning,” he said.
Transition to Green Corridors and Long-Term Collaborations
Uraloğlu stated that they are in a period where global supply chains are being reshaped and route diversity and green logistics solutions are gaining importance. “In this context, it is of critical importance for supply chain security that we rapidly put new plans into operation, especially the China-Europe Railway Express. However, we must also plan the transition to green corridors for the continuity of the lines we have established.” He emphasized that Turkey's goals are not only to build infrastructures, but also to create permanent, balanced, contemporary and long-term collaborations.
Minister Uraloğlu stated that they are ready to offer facilitating and integrated solutions in all areas of transportation, especially in railway transportation, and added that they would be very pleased to expand a cooperation based on mutual benefit.
