ASTANA – Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have launched a 380-kilometer fiber-optic communication line across the Caspian Sea, creating a new digital link intended to connect Central Asia and China with Europe and strengthen the region’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev took part in the launch ceremony of the fiber-optic cable on Oct. 15. Photo credit: Akorda.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev took part in the launch ceremony on Oct. 15. The project was implemented jointly by Kazakhtelecom, Kazakhstan’s telecommunications operator, and Azerbaijan’s AzerTelecom, according to the presidential press service.
Tokayev described the cable as a new form of regional connectivity that complements the development of the Middle Corridor, a major trade and transport route linking Asia and Europe.
“We have launched a very important project that will have international significance. Most importantly, this is a new type of corridor. It is not a transport corridor, but something new that fits into the modern era, the era of digitalization,” Tokayev said.
New digital route between Asia and Europe
The Trans-Caspian fiber-optic line will form part of a new communications route linking Kazakhstan, other Central Asian countries and China with Europe. It could also connect with submarine cable systems in the Mediterranean and Black seas, expanding international data transmission options.
The project is expected to strengthen Kazakhstan’s international digital connectivity and create conditions for attracting global technology companies, developing cloud services and expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Aliyev described the launch as another step toward closer cooperation between Azerbaijan and Central Asia, noting that the cable would serve countries across Central Asia, the South Caucasus and neighboring regions.
“Today, we have launched a global project,” Aliyev said.
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan strengthen Middle Corridor cooperation
The launch coincided with the exchange of a signed agreement between the governments of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan on cooperation to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor.
The agreement establishes a common legal framework for the route’s continued operation and comprehensive development as global trade and logistics networks change.
It provides for coordinated expansion of infrastructure capacity and measures to address bottlenecks across railway, road and port sections. The countries also plan to cooperate on developing dredging fleets and maritime shipping on the Caspian Sea.
A major part of the agreement focuses on digitalizing transportation and logistics. Measures include integrating information systems, introducing a single-window mechanism, enabling end-to-end cargo tracking and preparing a separate agreement on mutual recognition of electronic digital signatures.
The document also envisages simplifying administrative, border and customs procedures through advance information-sharing, reducing inspections and mutually recognizing the status of authorized economic operators.
Together, the fiber-optic cable and the transport agreement are intended to strengthen connectivity between Central Asia and the South Caucasus across both physical and digital infrastructure.
