Ilham Aliyev: BTK is the shortest route between Europe and Asia

Baku / 30.10.17 / Turan: The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway (BTK) is the shortest and most reliable route connecting Europe and Asia, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said at the opening ceremony of the BTK and sending the first train to it. BTK becomes an important part of the transport map of Eurasia. At the first stage, it will transport 5 million tons of cargo annually, and then - up to 17 million tons. "This road will serve stability, security, increase mutual investment, promote the development of tourism. The successful operation of the BTC will enhance the geopolitical importance of our countries," Aliyev said.

He recalled that earlier Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey launched the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline. All this is evidence of the friendship and brotherhood of the three countries. "Our countries are implementing projects important for the whole region and the world. Currently, the Southern Gas Corridor project is being successfully implemented. 60% of work on the TAP gas pipeline was done," Aliyev said. It was the successful implementation of energy projects that created the conditions for the construction of the BTK, he noted. -06D--