Kyrgyzstan has ratified an agreement with Azerbaijan on international road transport

Kyrgyzstan has ratified an agreement with Azerbaijan setting out the rules for the international carriage of passengers and goods by road, including transit through the territories of both countries. A permit will be required for most journeys, although certain goods may be transported without one.

The relevant decree was signed by the Prime Minister, Adylbek Kasymaliev, on 11 November. The agreement itself was concluded on 31 July in Cholpon-Ata and consists of 24 articles.

A permit system is in place for international freight transport. It applies to the delivery of goods between Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan, as well as to transit and transport to third countries.

However, exemptions from the permit procedure are provided for certain categories of goods. In particular, these include postal items, exhibition equipment, sports equipment, as well as medicines and medical equipment for the provision of emergency care.

The carriage of dangerous, heavy and oversized goods will require special permits and prior approval of routes.

Certain provisions of the agreement relate to passenger transport. To organise regular bus routes, the competent authorities of both countries must agree on timetables, fares, stopping points and the frequency of services.

Furthermore, the document provides for priority clearance through border, customs and other types of checks when transporting seriously ill patients, animals and perishable goods, as well as for regular passenger services.

To resolve any issues that arise and to monitor the implementation of the agreement, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan intend to establish a joint commission.

For Kyrgyz transport companies, the agreement is significant not only in terms of bilateral trade. Azerbaijan is one of the key transit points on the Trans-Caspian international transport route, linking Central Asia with the Caucasus and European markets.

Thus, harmonising transport regulations could simplify operations for Kyrgyz carriers on routes through the Caspian region.

Azerbaijan ratified the agreement back in October 2026. Kyrgyzstan is now finalising the relevant domestic procedures. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instructed to notify the Azerbaijani side of this.