Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are considering a series of measures aimed at strengthening transport and logistics ties between the two countries, with a particular focus on border procedures, freight movement and air links. The proposals were discussed at a meeting involving representatives of Uzbekistan’s transport and logistics sector and Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Shadurdi Meredov.
Participants included officials from the Transport and Logistics Development Problems Research Center and Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry, alongside representatives of the Association of International Road Carriers, national transport companies and freight-forwarding firms. Improving transport and logistics ties was central to discussions on making cross-border transportation more efficient and creating more favorable operating conditions for carriers.
Among the measures considered was the introduction of electronic visas for drivers, together with the optimization of related payments. The sides also examined ways to improve procedures at the Farap-Olot border crossing, with the objective of reducing queues and waiting times for carriers. A dedicated corridor for perishable goods was another proposal discussed during the meeting. Such a corridor would enable time-sensitive cargo to pass through the border more efficiently.
The talks also covered the construction of a second bridge in the neutral zone, faster road and rail cargo transportation through Turkmenbashi Port, and a review of existing weight and dimension restrictions for freight vehicles. These measures form part of broader efforts to improve transport and logistics connectivity between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
Direct Air Services Remain Under Discussion
The Uzbek side also brought forward the issue of restoring direct air services between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, a matter that has remained under discussion between the two countries for several years. Turkmenistan’s side said it was ready to consider the proposals and convey them to the relevant government authorities. The restoration of direct air links has previously been addressed at the government level.
In 2021, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan agreed that their transport ministries would work on resuming direct flights between the two countries. In August 2025, Uzbekistan’s Transport Minister Ilhom Mahkamov and Turkmenhowayollary head Dovran Saburov signed a protocol on cooperation in civil aviation. After a trilateral meeting between the leaders of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, Mahkamov also said the sides had reached an agreement on the resumption of direct air services.
The latest meeting ended with an agreement to maintain cooperation aimed at improving transport and logistics ties and establishing more favorable conditions for carriers operating between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
