On July 02, 2020, a trilateral meeting was held in the format of a videoconference between the Presidents of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Azerbaijan. The agenda of the high – level workshop included discussion of a large-scale joint project-the international transit and transport corridor "Lapis Lazuli". During a videoconference on the implementation of a large-scale joint project of the international transit transport corridor on the route Afghanistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey, held with the participation of the Presidents of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Azerbaijan, the heads of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev noted that the implementation of projects on the creation of transcontinental transit transport corridors will fully serve to strengthen regional and international trade and economic relations, sustainable development for all. In this regard, the head of Turkmenistan shared his vision with the Presidents of Afghanistan and Azerbaijan, putting forward a number of specific proposals: 1.First, based on The agreement on the Afghanistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey transport corridor (Lapis Lazuli), signed in Ashgabat on November 15, 2017, create a Unified logistics center. 2. Secondly, the availability of modern, high-tech transport infrastructure is of great importance for improving the efficiency of cargo transportation. Realizing this, it is necessary to pay special attention to the further development of points of departure and reception of goods: seaports, railway stations and bus stations. 3. Third, it is considered appropriate to maintain a uniform pricing policy for the transportation of goods on the route Afghanistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan and in the opposite direction. We believe that such a policy should be based on the desire to create optimal economic and financial conditions that are equal for all participants in the transport partnership. 4. Fourth, to consider the simplification of customs operations through the introduction of a monitoring system on the principle of "Single window". As it was noted, Turkmenistan has already successfully implemented and practiced a special program "ASYCUDA" of the United Nations, intended for the country's customs service. 5. Fifth, it is necessary to prepare an Atlas of the Afghanistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan route in digital format with detailed information about the existing transport and communication infrastructure, as this will increase the investment and commercial attractiveness of this corridor. At the end of the trilateral high-level meeting held via video link, the participants confirmed their countries commitment to constructive multi-dimensional cooperation, as well as their intention to continue to strengthen the traditional partnership that meets the interests of the welfare of friendly States and their fraternal peoples.
