Erdogan: A new tunnel connects Turkey to Caucasus

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said a major road will connect Turkey and the entire region through Georgia, stressing this more than a two-kilometre-long road tunnel will further connect the countries and their economies in the region, Anadolu News Agency reports.

According to the report, The Pirinkayalar Tunnel, which has strategic and economic importance connecting Turkey to the Caucasus, was put into service with a ceremony held on Wednesday, 29 December. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the ceremony, which was inaugurated by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Adil Karaismailoglu.

Erdogan said the tunnel will reduce carbon emissions by 18 tons and will also contribute to the protection of the environment.

“The ease of transportation between Erzurum and Artvin provinces, both of which have high tourism potential with this tunnel, will bring new opportunities,” he said.

“This tunnel, which will integrate Erzurum and Artvin Airports and Artvin Port with each other, will also relieve transit traffic to the Caucasus via both cities,” he added.

Turkey aims to cultivate stability and peace in the South Caucasus through investments.

READ: Maritime traffic halted in Bosporus Strait after vessel breaks down