Sabutis: Lithuania and Türkiye Discuss New Multimodal Transport Links

In Istanbul, Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications Eugenijus Sabutis and Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, discussed strengthening bilateral ties in logistics, rail freight and civil aviation. According to Mr Sabutis, the expansion of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor via Türkiye towards the Baltic Sea region offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen north–south connectivity, diversify freight transport routes, and boost trade flows between Europe and Asia.

“By enhancing our partnership with Türkiye, we’re paving the way for new international freight corridors by road and rail, as well as through the Port of Klaipėda. Connecting the Trans-Caspian Corridor with the Baltic Sea region would significantly expand cargo transportation opportunities from Central Asia. In terms of logistics and connectivity, this is one of the most promising areas of bilateral cooperation,” said Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications Eugenijus Sabutis.

Minister Sabutis underlined the strategic significance of establishing a north–south transport corridor from the Baltic Sea ports to the Black Sea, calling it a natural extension of the international Trans-Caspian transport network. He noted that Türkiye plays a pivotal role as a gateway between Europe and Asia.

Moreover, Lithuania recognises the considerable potential for transit cargo through intermodal transport services between the Port of Samsun on the Black Sea, which offers strategic access to Asia, and the Port of Klaipėda, which serves Northern and Nordic Europe. Lithuania is also actively pursuing closer cooperation in the areas of air transport and logistics.

The development of transport corridors connecting Europe and Asia featured prominently at the Global Transport Connectivity Forum in Istanbul (27–29 June) and in Minister Sabutis’s bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Spain, Armenia, Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of international organisations and logistics stakeholders.

Türkiye is among the most popular travel destinations for Lithuanians. In 2024, over 432,000 passengers travelled to Türkiye on charter flights from Vilnius and Kaunas, while direct flights from Palanga Airport to Antalya were launched this April. 

Bilateral trade between Lithuania and Türkiye totalled €877 million in 2024.