Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan move toward agreement on corridor bypassing Russia

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are preparing to sign an intergovernmental agreement to develop the Middle Corridor (TITR), a trade route connecting China and Europe that bypasses Russia.

Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov made the statement at a meeting of the heads of government of the Organization of Turkic States on April 2, 2026. He said the document is expected to be signed by the end of 2026.

What is the Middle Corridor

The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, is a logistics network connecting China and Europe through Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Turkey outside Russian territory. The route began developing in 2022 amid geopolitical turbulence and global logistics disruptions.

«Olzhas Bektenov noted the need for further development of the TITR taking into account the opening of the Zangezur Corridor. An additional impetus to the development of the Middle Corridor could be provided by the Digital Monitoring Center of the OTS initiated by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev,» the government press service said.

Why it is important

The route is growing in strategic importance. Russia, which has traditionally handled cargo between Asia and Europe, is effectively being bypassed. The Middle Corridor is emerging as an alternative, and countries along the route are actively working to develop it.