Kazan, May 18, 2025 – The Europe Today: National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, proposed the establishment of a unified energy, infrastructure, and transport corridor for Islamic countries during a panel session at the “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” on Friday, according to the state news agency of Turkmenistan.
Berdimuhamedov described the proposal as a modern-day equivalent of the historic Silk Road, envisioning a strategic belt that would streamline the movement of goods and services across the Eurasian continent. The corridor would connect the Asia-Pacific region to the Middle East and Europe, providing the shortest and most efficient routes for trade.
“The Islamic world is called upon to form a unified energy, transport, and technology belt across Eurasia,” Berdimuhamedov stated. “Such a configuration will not only optimize the delivery of goods and services but will also become a strategic bridge for global cooperation, positively impacting trade policies, tariff regulation, and the overall health of the global economy.”
He emphasized that Islamic countries, with their collective economic and geopolitical potential, could serve as a key driver of global economic growth in today’s shifting international landscape.
The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” is taking place in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, from May 13 to 18. The forum serves as a platform to strengthen cooperation between Russia and member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
During his working visit to Kazan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also held a meeting with the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, where the two leaders discussed opportunities for expanding bilateral ties and fostering collaboration in various sectors.
