Today, the 34^th meeting of representatives of the Parties to the International Transit Tariff Agreement (ITT), dedicated to the improvement and updating of the ITT Agreement, was held in the Turkmen capital. This document is an agreement between two dozen countries, which establishes uniform rules and tariffs for the transportation of goods by rail in transit mode.

The forum, held at the Yyldyz Hotel, was attended by representatives of the Parties from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, the Czech Republic, the Committee of the Organization for Cooperation between Railways (OSJD), as well as OCR affiliated enterprises – OTKL ERA JSC, STM LLC, PLASKE JSC.

The Turkmen delegation included heads and specialists of relevant transport agencies and departments.

The agenda of the event, which is being held by OSJD for the first time in our country, includes information on the decisions taken at the 37^th meeting of the Conference of General Directors (responsible representatives) of OSJD and the 38^th meeting of representatives of the Parties to the International Transit Tariff Agreement (ITT), the improvement of the Agreement on international railway freight traffic (AIFT), ensuring the competitiveness of transit cargo transportation by rail, etc.

The welcoming speeches noted the significance and importance of holding this event in Turkmenistan, one of the key member states of the Organization for Cooperation between Railways and an important strategic partner in transportation from Europe to Asia. It was emphasized that the consideration of the issues outlined on the agenda would promote an increase in the volume of transportation and an expansion of the range of goods along the North-South and East-West transport corridors.

The development of the railway industry, taking into account the exceptional importance of this type of transport, which bears the main burden of mass transportation over long distances, is one of the main priorities for the development of our state, which relies on the steady strengthening and expansion of trade and economic ties with all interested partner countries. This is directly facilitated by the policy of broad international cooperation in the transport sector pursued by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, taking into account the favorable geographical position of the country.

Turkmenistan, having become a member of OSJD in 1994, is an important link in the international transit of goods due to the developing railway infrastructure at the national level and the coordinated transport policy across the region. Our country has also established cooperation on the OSJD platform in the field of information technology, scientific, technical and environmental issues.

In May 2022, Turkmenistan joined the Treaty on the International Rail Transit Tariff, which will facilitate the improvement of the transport and logistics system of our country, the study of tariff information, and the expansion of the geography of rail transport and transit traffic.

Emphasizing the exceptional importance of the topic discussed at the current meeting, the speakers noted that cooperation in such a promising area as rail transport and logistics is an integral factor in positive integration processes in the context of the globalization of the world economy and overall sustainable development.

The participants expressed their sincere gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the hospitality shown on the Turkmen land, the creation of favorable conditions for the constructive and businesslike work of the forum, and were unanimous in the opinion that this meeting would further strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation.

During the three days of the meeting of representatives of the Parties to the International Transit Tariff Agreement (ITT), issues of bilateral cooperation within the framework of OSJD, expansion of the legal framework for cooperation, and others will be discussed.

It is also envisaged to sign documents designed to strengthen productive cooperation between the Parties to the International Transit Tariff Agreement (ITT), as well as its improvement and updating in the name of general well-being and progressive development.

As part of their stay in Ashgabat, the meeting participants are provided with sightseeing tours and an extensive cultural program.