16 AUGUST / 2024 / 13:47
“Baku Metro” JSC and “Metro Istanbul” Signed Memorandum of Understanding In April 2025, Baku will host the first international conference of world metros, aimed at resolving organizational issues. As part of this, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between “Baku Metro” JSC and “Metro Istanbul.” The document was signed by Zaur Huseynov, Chairman of “Baku Metro” JSC, and Özgür Soy, General Director of “Metro Istanbul.” Following the signing ceremony, Zaur Huseynov stated that, in recent years, the brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey have reached a qualitatively new level. Since 2015, mutual cooperation between the Baku and Istanbul metros has been intensively ongoing. The main focus has been on the exchange of experience in human resources, new technologies, technical service, maintenance, and repair. These achievements could be elevated to a new level by engaging other world metros. Huseynov noted that joint efforts will be made to turn this conference into the most successful platform for all metros in the future. Özgür Soy, head of “Metro Istanbul,” expressed confidence in the future success of the event. He stated that the two brotherly countries’ metros could jointly offer a new and successful platform to the world’s metro systems. Soy emphasized that Baku Metro’s extensive experience and quality technical service, combined with Istanbul Metro’s technological innovations and the developing production potential of Azerbaijani and Turkish enterprises, would help foster joint projects. He also expressed confidence that this initiative would serve as a bridge between metro systems and manufacturers. Afterward, a presentation for the media was held. It was noted that, at the beginning of 2024, discussions began around the idea proposed by the Baku and Istanbul metros, along with organizational matters. The event has been named “MetroConnect.” It was agreed that the first event would be held in Baku. After the initial conference, the venue and date for the next event will be discussed. Research conducted in this area revealed that there is a need for the joint resolution of critical issues and challenges faced by metros, including discussions on prospects, innovations, and particularly innovative proposals. The conference’s agenda will cover key topics such as construction, wagon assembly and repair, the latest achievements related to metro structures, equipment, and systems, innovative technologies, the role of artificial intelligence, major issues in maintenance and repair, standards and safety, passenger satisfaction, and scientific research achievements, among others. Considering the interest not only from metros but also from manufacturers, as well as scientific research and educational institutions, the event will include exhibitions and tours of innovations implemented in the Baku Metro, along with other significant topics relevant to metros. The conference will provide space for manufacturers, scientists, and experts from educational and research fields. Baku will offer discussions tailored to all participants’ interests, bilateral meetings, open platforms for various organizations, and suitable conditions. The event will consist of several discussion panels on current topics and will take place over two days. It should be noted that the visit of “Metro Istanbul” representatives to Baku lasted for two days. During this time, the main points of the agreement, the work done, and future plans and tasks were discussed.
