Istanbul Summit Focuses on New Rail Corridors Connecting Asia and Europe

ISTANBUL, February 2026 — The recent gathering of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) transport ministers in Istanbul underscored the growing strategic importance of rail infrastructure in connecting Asian markets with European trade routes. Türkiye, leveraging its unique geographic position, hosted discussions aimed at fostering greater transport integration among member states.

Key developments highlighted included the advancement of plans for a four-nation rail link involving Türkiye, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, designed to facilitate the movement of goods between the Gulf region and Europe. Additionally, Türkiye presented its ambitious Development Road Project, envisioning uninterrupted road and rail connections from the Persian Gulf through its territory to Europe, with the objective of significantly reducing transit times and costs.

These initiatives hold substantial implications for the rail sector, promising to enhance freight efficiency and deepen regional economic integration. The proposed establishment of an OIC Land Transport Center, potentially hosted by Türkiye, aims to further streamline coordination and development efforts across member nations.

With over $355 billion invested in transport and communications over the past 23 years, Türkiye positions itself as a vital logistics hub. The conference also acknowledged cooperation with African nations, indicating a broader OIC strategy to bolster global trade connectivity.

The focus on developing these new rail corridors aligns with a global trend towards multi-modal transport solutions and strategic infrastructure development, reinforcing Eurasia's role as a critical nexus for international commerce and cooperation.

Source: Türkiye Today