MOSCOW, November 11. /TASS/. The development of the North-South International Transport Corridor (ITC) opens up new opportunities for strengthening foreign trade ties and unlocking the economic potential of Eurasian countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
Amid ongoing changes to the global logistics map, there is a growing need for new routes to carry out freight transportation between Russia and foreign states, including by using the transit capabilities of the Caspian region, the minister noted.
"In line with President Vladimir Putin's initiative to form the Greater Eurasian Partnership, the North-South International Transport Corridor is called upon to make a significant contribution to strengthening foreign trade ties and unlocking the investment and economic potential of the participating countries," he said in a welcome address to the organizers, participants, and guests of the 4th Astrakhan International Forum "North-South ITC: New Horizons and Opportunities."
Over the past years, the forum has established itself as a sought-after platform for dialogue among government officials, business circles, and the expert community, the top Russian diplomat stressed.
"I am confident that the discussions scheduled at the forum will proceed in a constructive manner and will result in fruitful ideas on ways for further cooperation and integration across the Eurasian space," he added.