he Zangezur Corridor received resounding political and civic support from representatives across the Turkic world as over 500 delegates gathered in Baku for the first-ever Forum of Solidarity of NGOs of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).
Officials, lawmakers, NGO leaders and policy experts from Uzbekistan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Hungary and Northern Cyprus described the corridor as a transformative infrastructure project poised to redraw the transport and economic landscape from Central Asia to Europe.
Uzbekistan: “A Historic Integration Route for the Turkic World”
Speaking at the forum, Bobur Bekmurodov, MP and chairman of the Yuksalish movement, confirmed Uzbekistan’s full support for the Zangezur Corridor.
He stressed that, with rising trade volumes across the Turkic region, the need for shorter, safer and more predictable routes has become critical.
“The opening of the Zangezur Corridor will be a historic event for the entire Turkic world,” Bekmurodov said.
“It will reinforce connectivity between Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Europe and strengthen the Middle Corridor.”
Uzbekistan views the project as part of a broader strategy to deepen political and economic cooperation within the OTS.
Turkey: “Zangezur is Our Suez Canal Moment”
In one of the strongest statements at the forum, Özcan Aygün, Deputy Director of Turkey’s Civil Society Relations Department at the Interior Ministry, compared the Zangezur Corridor to the opening of the Suez Canal.
“If the Suez Canal reshaped the global economy, the Zangezur Corridor will launch a new era of mutually beneficial transformation,” he said.
Aygün emphasized that civil society will play a pivotal role not only in supporting regional development, but also in strengthening cultural and social ties across the Turkic world.
Turkmenistan: “A Symbol of Unity for a Shared Turkic Future”
Representing Turkmenistan, Mergen Kepbanov, head of the CAREC project office, said his country’s NGOs are ready for deeper cooperation with OTS civil society networks.
He called the Zangezur Corridor “a symbol of unity”, noting that the project’s impact goes far beyond logistics:
“It creates new opportunities for civil society development and cross-border cooperation.”
Turkmenistan’s NGO sector operates within the strategic framework supported by President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, he added.
Hungary: “A New Geopolitical Landscape from Central Asia to Europe”
At the panel discussion, István Kiss, Executive Director of the Danube Institute, described the corridor as a project that will redraw Eurasian connectivity:
“The Zangezur Corridor is not just a new artery – it marks the emergence of a new geopolitical and economic landscape stretching from Central Asia to Europe.”
He highlighted the rapid growth of Hungary’s engagement with OTS countries:
Trade with OTS states has grown 5.5 times since the “Opening to the East” strategy.
In 2024, Hungary became the third-largest investor in Azerbaijan after the UK and Turkey.
Kiss also said Budapest fully supports recent progress between Azerbaijan and Armenia, calling it a “major step toward sustainable peace.”
Azerbaijan: “A Project Benefiting All Nations”
Azerbaijani MP Azer Allahverənov, board member of the National NGO Forum, stated that broad international support for the corridor is no accident:
“Those who support the Zangezur Corridor today will be among its primary beneficiaries tomorrow. It is a project that brings value to all.”
He underscored the importance of recognizing the corridor’s role for every country that will use it.
Northern Cyprus: “The Corridor Unites the Turkic Vision”
The representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Mehmet Ercilasun, called for unity within the Turkic world regarding the project.
“Zangezur is not just transportation – it is a strategic link that strengthens economic integration and aligns our shared vision.”
He said the corridor connects Azerbaijan and Turkey and, in doing so, forms the backbone of a broader Eurasian connection spanning the entire Turkic geography.
A New Era of Turkic Connectivity
The Baku forum underscored a growing consensus:
the Zangezur Corridor is moving beyond being just a regional transport route — it is becoming a strategic megaproject of the Turkic world.
Across the panels, speakers emphasized:
Enhanced trade routes from Central Asia to Europe
Stronger political coordination within the OTS
Greater civil society involvement in regional integration
Cultural and humanitarian connectivity across Turkic nations
With strong endorsements from multiple countries, the project is increasingly seen as the backbone of the future Middle Corridor.
