Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan to Launch Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Line by End-2026
Business
The Trans-Caspian fiber-optic communications line linking Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan will be commissioned by the end of 2026. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made the announcement at the Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum in Baku. The project involves laying a cable along the seabed of the Caspian Sea.
Aliyev said digital connectivity would become one of the elements supporting greater regional connectivity. Kazakhstan previously reported that the offshore phase of the project had entered practical implementation, with the full package of technological and commissioning works scheduled for completion by the end of the year. The project is being implemented by CaspiLink B.V., a joint venture established by Kazakhtelecom and AzerTelecom.
At the forum, Aliyev also said Azerbaijan plans to increase cargo transit volumes to 25 million tonnes by 2030. According to the president, growth will be achieved along both the East-West and North-South routes. He emphasized cooperation with neighboring states and Central Asian countries, saying predictable relations with neighbors had become one of the conditions for Azerbaijan’s development as a transit country.
In the energy sector, Aliyev announced the signing of a contract for the second phase of development of the Absheron field. The project is expected to add around 5 billion cubic meters of annual gas production within three to four years. The president also announced an agreement with Exxon on the development of unconventional oil and gas fields.
Azerbaijan and Slovakia also held another round of talks on gas supplies on the sidelines of the forum. Slovakia’s ambassador to Azerbaijan, Gasimov, said the sides discussed further joint projects, including supplies of Azerbaijani gas to Slovakia.
According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy, 23 documents worth a combined $10.8 billion were signed during AIIF 2026. They cover artificial intelligence, energy and renewable energy, construction, the digital economy, industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, finance and water management. Including projects announced during Baku Energy Week, the total value of planned joint projects is expected to reach $16.7 billion.
The Sea Breeze project was also discussed at the forum. Its founder, Emin Agalarov, said around 10–15% of the planned work had been completed and that the project was expected to be implemented over the next seven to eight years. According to Agalarov, the project has already signed around 20 contracts under different brands.
At the forum, Aliyev also said Azerbaijan plans to increase cargo transit volumes to 25 million tonnes by 2030. According to the president, growth will be achieved along both the East-West and North-South routes. He emphasized cooperation with neighboring states and Central Asian countries, saying predictable relations with neighbors had become one of the conditions for Azerbaijan’s development as a transit country.
In the energy sector, Aliyev announced the signing of a contract for the second phase of development of the Absheron field. The project is expected to add around 5 billion cubic meters of annual gas production within three to four years. The president also announced an agreement with Exxon on the development of unconventional oil and gas fields.
Azerbaijan and Slovakia also held another round of talks on gas supplies on the sidelines of the forum. Slovakia’s ambassador to Azerbaijan, Gasimov, said the sides discussed further joint projects, including supplies of Azerbaijani gas to Slovakia.
According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy, 23 documents worth a combined $10.8 billion were signed during AIIF 2026. They cover artificial intelligence, energy and renewable energy, construction, the digital economy, industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, finance and water management. Including projects announced during Baku Energy Week, the total value of planned joint projects is expected to reach $16.7 billion.
The Sea Breeze project was also discussed at the forum. Its founder, Emin Agalarov, said around 10–15% of the planned work had been completed and that the project was expected to be implemented over the next seven to eight years. According to Agalarov, the project has already signed around 20 contracts under different brands.
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