CIS and Trans-Afghan Corridor: Transport Ministers Reach Agreement in Astana

Transport ministry representatives from CIS countries gathered in Astana on October 15–16 for the 46th meeting of the Coordinating Transport Conference — as part of the New Silk Way forum. The meeting was chaired by Kazakhstan's Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbaev.

Participants discussed the development of international transport corridors, digitalization of transport and transport security, as well as issues of personnel training and coordination of approaches to infrastructure development. Following the meeting, the parties endorsed decisions on key areas of transport cooperation.

On the sidelines of the same forum, a separate meeting was held involving representatives of Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran, dedicated to the Trans-Afghan Transport Corridor. The parties agreed to continue work on the project. Kazakhstan has previously announced plans to invest in railway construction in Afghanistan.