The linear route of the ship "Balkan" between the ports of Baku and Turkmenbashi was established in order to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on transport and logistics services in the region, "BT" reports.

Speaking at the extraordinary summit of the Turkic Council, which was held in the format of a videoconference, Turkmen leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that in the current conditions it is necessary to ensure the stability and stability of trade and economic relations, as well as transport links between the States. "In close cooperation with our partners, first of all, with neighboring States, Turkmenistan is carrying out the necessary work to ensure that these relations are regular, so that reliable mutual supply and transit transport schemes are maintained," the President said.

The operator of the vessel "Balkan", which has a capacity of 120 containers, is JSC " Transport and logistics center of Turkmenistan "and a subsidiary of CJSC" Azerbaijan Railways "(AZD) LLC"ADY Container".

Director of ADY Container Natig Jafarov said:

"The feeder vessel intended for participation in cargo transportation from Turkey via Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan will operate once a week. If the cargo volume increases, the ship can be used twice a week."

The first cargo of "Balkan" 62 containers were delivered to the port of Turkmenbashi, 40 of them will go through the territory of Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan in transit.