Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addresses Global Transport Corridors Forum in Istanbul

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan highlighted the growing strategic importance of transportation and connectivity amid recent global developments, speaking at the Global Transport Corridors Forum held at the Istanbul Congress Center. Fidan stated that the evolving geopolitical landscape has brought energy, transportation, and digitalization to the forefront of foreign policy. "Recent events over the past two weeks have further underscored the strategic significance of transportation and related issues. If we fail to work together, today's instability could jeopardize long-term global transport investments and energy security," he said. Fidan called for greater cooperation on alternative initiatives to enhance trust and predictability in international trade. He emphasized that Türkiye is well-positioned to take a leading role in this process due to its geographic location, industrial capacity, and commitment to peace and stability in the region. "Türkiye stands out as a natural partner at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with direct access to global markets," he noted. Citing major infrastructure investments over the past 20 years under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Fidan said Türkiye has invested nearly 200 billion dollars in transport infrastructure. Middle Corridor and Development Road Fidan described the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, as the most efficient route connecting China to Europe via Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, and Türkiye. He said the corridor will play a vital role in future transport connectivity and will create mutual benefits for all stakeholders. He also noted that the Middle Corridor’s strategic value has become more apparent amid increasing geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine war and regional instability in Palestine, Lebanon, the Red Sea, and Iran. "This route offers economic development and trade diversification opportunities for countries along the way," he said. Fidan stressed the importance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway as a key component of the corridor, a product of trilateral cooperation among Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. He also mentioned progress in aligning the Middle Corridor initiative with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, expressing hope for deepened collaboration on a mutually beneficial basis. Fidan said Türkiye is also working to launch a second major project, the Development Road, aimed at establishing a north-south axis connecting the Gulf to Europe. This project would involve building railways, highways, and energy corridors from Iraq’s Al-Faw Port through Türkiye and into Europe. Promoting prosperity and cooperation According to Fidan, both the Middle Corridor and Development Road initiatives are expected to boost investment, connectivity, and prosperity along the routes, linking Central Asia to the Gulf region. He emphasized that global transport routes should be seen as complementary rather than competing. "In today’s world, where global trade volumes continue to grow, we view transportation routes in a broader, complementary context," he said. Fidan recalled that Türkiye recently became a strategic partner of the Three Seas Initiative and expressed interest in working closely with European counterparts under initiatives such as Via Carpathia and Rail Baltica. Investment and regional peace Fidan affirmed Türkiye’s commitment to continued investment in infrastructure and support for trade facilitation. He noted that connectivity projects require cooperation between governments and the private sector. "Most of our diplomatic efforts in the region are based on mediation. Our goal is to reduce tensions so that our region becomes calmer, more peaceful, and better suited for connectivity and trade," he said. Fidan pointed to the Development Road as a promising initiative proposed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani. He said Türkiye immediately supported the plan, in line with President Erdoğan’s belief in regional ownership and cooperation. "After years of instability in Iraq, we now see a constructive proposal that benefits all parties. This is a significant opportunity," he added. Fidan emphasized that the project goes beyond physical infrastructure, also including digital elements such as fiber optic lines. He said increased connectivity would bring long-term benefits in a fragmented region. Impact of wars on connectivity Fidan noted that the war between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted major energy and transport corridors. He said new projects will require time and resources to become operational. He also stressed the need to end Israel’s attacks on Gaza and to ensure access to humanitarian aid. "Our priority is to stop the war," he said.