Bsec-Urta, Esentepe Mah. , TOBB Plaza, Harman sokak, 10/10, Şişli, Istanbul (2026)

Q: What is the address?

Esentepe Mah. , TOBB Plaza, Harman Sokak, 10/10, Şişli

15/10/2026

BSEC-URTA Attends the Organization of Turkic States’ Reception Marking Turkic States Cooperation Day

The BSEC-URTA International Secretariat was represented by Secretary General Mehmet Uylukçu at the reception hosted by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Istanbul on 8 October 2026, marking Turkic States Cooperation Day, observed on 3 October. The event also served as a farewell reception for H.E. Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the OTS, as he approaches the completion of his term of office.

The reception brought together senior government officials from Türkiye and OTS Member and Observer States, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, and members of the business community.

Among the distinguished attendees were H.E. Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Türkiye, and H.E. Binali Yıldırım, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the OTS, alongside senior officials, heads of international organizations and members of the diplomatic corps.

Emphasis on Cooperation and Connectivity Across the Turkic World
In his address, OTS Secretary General H.E. Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev reflected on the progress achieved by the Organization during his tenure, highlighting the importance of cooperation, solidarity and a shared vision among Member and Observer States.

H.E. Abdulkadir Uraloğlu emphasized the importance of cooperation among the Turkic States and reaffirmed Türkiye’s continued support for the further development of the OTS. H.E. Binali Yıldırım also highlighted the significance of cooperation across the Turkic World and the achievements realized within the framework of the Organization.

The reception provided an opportunity to acknowledge the progress of institutional cooperation across the Turkic World and to reflect on the importance of strengthening regional partnerships.
Enhanced economic ties among the Turkic States, stronger transport networks and the more efficient use of international transport corridors remain important to advancing regional connectivity. Through its engagement with regional and international stakeholders, BSEC-URTA continues to support dialogue and cooperation on issues relevant to international road transport and logistics.

BSEC-URTA extends its appreciation to H.E. Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev for his contributions to strengthening cooperation across the Turkic World during his tenure as Secretary General of the OTS and wishes him every success in his future endeavours.

09/10/2026

BSEC-URTA in Iraq: Strengthening the Development Road Corridor and Regional Transit Connectivity

BSEC-URTA was in Iraq, the starting point of the strategic Development Road Corridor, to advance international road transport and strengthen connectivity between the Black Sea region and the Gulf countries.

In line with a decision of the BSEC-URTA Management Council, a delegation comprising BSEC-URTA Deputy Secretary General Alpdoğan Kahraman, IRU representative Erman Ereke, TOBB TIR Department expert Levent Demirel, and UND representatives held important meetings with the authorities of Northern Iraq to facilitate and accelerate international transit operations.

The TIR System: A New Gateway for Global Trade

Thanks to the visionary approach of the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the introduction of the TIR system for transit operations through Iraq marked a major milestone in regional connectivity.

The remarkably fast transit operations achieved during the initial implementation demonstrated that road transport through Iraq can offer a fast, cost-effective, and competitive alternative to maritime routes, opening new opportunities for global trade and strengthening the diversification of international supply chains.

Concrete Steps to Accelerate Transit Transport

Against the backdrop of recently declining transit volumes, particularly for transport operations destined for Kuwait, the delegation held constructive discussions with Northern Iraqi authorities.

Important understandings were reached to accelerate transit procedures, improve operational coordination, and facilitate international road transport through Iraq.

Connecting the Black Sea Region to the Gulf and Beyond

Iraq’s strategic position within the Development Road Corridor offers significant opportunities to connect the BSEC region with the Middle East, the Gulf countries, and global markets.

BSEC-URTA remains committed to working closely with IRU, national transport associations, and relevant authorities to remove transport barriers, accelerate border crossings, and develop competitive international transport corridors for the benefit of the entire BSEC transport community.

30/09/2026

BSEC-URTA Working Party Discusses Border Delays and the Future of Regional Road Transport

The BSEC-URTA Working Party on Border Crossing Problems met on 29 September 2026 under the chairmanship of Deputy Secretary General Alpdoğan Kahraman. Participants discussed how border capacity, customs procedures and changing trade routes affect transport across the BSEC region.

Iro Doumani, General Manager of the Hellenic Federation of Road Transport (OFAE), presented the findings of BSEC-URTA’s visit to the Kipi border crossing. She highlighted its limited capacity and the need for improved infrastructure, driver facilities and coordination between border authorities. Kahraman’s presentation of January–August 2026 statistics showed that İpsala–Kipi accounted for only 8.7% of vehicle crossings through Türkiye’s western land gateways and Ro-Ro ports. Participants noted that Kipi’s limited capacity prevents the Greek route from offering a stronger alternative when other western gateways are congested. It also leaves Greece with a small share of transit traffic compared with routes through Bulgaria and Ro-Ro ports, limiting potential economic benefits for Greece and the wider BSEC region.

Erman Ereke, IRU General Delegate, presented the role of the TIR system in reducing customs delays and supporting road corridors through Iraq and the Middle East. Participants thanked IRU for its early work to establish these routes, undertaken well before the recent disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. Those developments have further demonstrated the importance of international road transport in keeping supply chains moving.

Closing the meeting, BSEC-URTA President Eduart Kasa recalled how drivers and transport companies have kept goods moving through pandemics, earthquakes and wars. He stressed that, despite frequent recognition of their essential work, professional drivers still face difficult Schengen visa procedures and border waits that can last for months. He called on governments to give drivers and the sector the practical support and respect they deserve.

The BSEC-URTA International Secretariat thanks PABSEC Deputy Secretary General Ms. Valentina-Antoaneta Cobzareanu and BSEC Permanent International Secretariat Executive Manager Mr. Sergii Kravchenko for their support, and Ms. Doumani and Mr. Ereke for their valuable presentations.

29/09/2026

BSEC-URTA Advances Regional Cooperation to Strengthen the Role of Women in Road Transport

The BSEC-URTA Working Party on the Role of Women in Road Transport convened on 28 September 2026 under the chairmanship of Ms. Elizabeta Ivanovska, bringing together members and regional stakeholders to discuss practical approaches to advancing women’s participation in road transport and logistics.

The meeting featured a presentation by Ms. Aizhan Beiseyeva, Chairperson of Women in Trade & Logistics Partnership (Women in TLP) – Central Asia & Caucasus, who introduced the platform’s regional initiatives and explored potential avenues for cooperation with BSEC-URTA, including joint activities, knowledge sharing and stronger professional networks.

The meeting also welcomed Ms. Druselia Betea, Head of EWELLIN – The European Wellbeing Initiative, powered by ESPORG, whose presentation examined barriers faced by women in professional road transport and highlighted the importance of safer working environments, wellbeing, inclusiveness and improved conditions to attract and retain women professionals.

In addition, Ms. Viliana Ivanova from AEBTRI highlighted the outstanding achievement of Bulgarian professional truck driver Ms. Desislava Yordanova, winner of the Trimble Driver of the Year Award 2026.

During the meeting, participants expressed their special appreciation to BSEC-URTA President Mr. Eduard Kasa and Secretary General Mr. Mehmet Uylukcu for their personal commitment and support in advancing initiatives, dialogue and consultations aimed at strengthening the role of women in transport across the BSEC region.

The Secretary General also highlighted the International Secretariat’s recent contribution to the UNESCAP Subregional Capacity Building Workshop on Advancing Sustainable Transport Corridors to Strengthen Inter- and Intra-regional Connectivity, where BSEC-URTA showcased its experience in gender mainstreaming and promoted regional cooperation to increase women’s participation in professional road transport. The presentation brought BSEC-URTA’s initiatives to the attention of stakeholders from Central Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region, underscoring the importance of sharing good practices through international dialogue and cooperation.

The BSEC-URTA International Secretariat extends its sincere gratitude to all members for their initiatives and continued engagement, to Ms. Ivanovska for her leadership of the Working Party, and to Ms. Beiseyeva and Ms. Betea for their valuable contributions and presentations.

On behalf of the BSEC region, BSEC-URTA warmly congratulates Ms. Desislava Yordanova on her achievement, thanks Ms. Viliana Ivanova for helping bring this inspiring example to wider attention and thanks Mr. Kenan Gurbanov for his support tothe Working Party. BSEC-URTA will continue to strengthen regional partnerships, share good practices and support concrete initiatives towards a safer, more inclusive and more attractive road transport sector for women.

25/09/2026

BSEC-URTA Holds Its Second Digitalisation Working Group Meeting of 2026

Digitalisation, border-crossing efficiency, smart logistics and regional connectivity high on the agenda

The BSEC-URTA Digitalisation Working Group held its second meeting of 2026 online, bringing together representatives of BSEC-URTA member associations under the chairmanship of Mr. Ahmet Karakaş (TOBB), Chair of the BSEC-URTA Digitalisation Working Group. The meeting featured four presentations by experts from the fields of transport law, academia, international cooperation and technology.

In the first presentation, Mr. Ventsislav Trendafilov and Mr. Sançar Sefer Süer, representing the International Association of Transport Law East–West (IATL), shared their perspectives on international transport law and the legal aspects of cross-border road transport operations.

The second presentation was delivered by Prof. Dr. Özay Özaydın of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, who presented findings from his simulation-based study on the Kapıkule Border Crossing, focusing on ways to improve border-crossing efficiency and reduce waiting times.

The third presentation was delivered by Ms. Miaojia Lu of Tongji University, Shanghai, who shared insights from China’s experience in smart logistics and autonomous delivery, highlighting practical applications of artificial intelligence, real-time data, autonomous vehicles, drones and human–machine coordination in logistics operations.

In the final presentation, Mr. Torben Heinemann, representing GIZ – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, presented the EasTnT Project and its work on sustainable and digital transport, the facilitation of cross-border processes, and the strengthening of regional connectivity, with particular emphasis on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.

Through its Working Group activities, BSEC-URTA will continue to strengthen dialogue among public authorities, international organisations, academia and the private sector, while contributing to the development of practical, implementable and sustainable solutions to common challenges facing the regional transport sector.

BSEC-URTA extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Ventsislav Trendafilov, Mr. Sancar Sefer Suer, Prof. Dr. Özay Özaydın, Mr. Torben Heinemann and Ms. Miaojia Lu for their valuable contributions, expertise and insights.

BSEC-URTA also expresses its gratitude to all Working Group members and participants for their active participation, valuable contributions, and the productive exchange of knowledge, experience and views throughout the meeting.

25/09/2026

Bulgarian Truck Driver Desislava Yordanova Wins Trimble Driver of the Year Award 2026

Bulgarian professional truck driver Desislava Yordanova, from TRANSPRESS, has won the Trimble Driver of the Year Award 2026, presented on 23 September in Brussels during the Trimble Insight Europe 2026 event.

Yordanova was selected from more than 2,000 nominated professional drivers from different nationalities. The award recognises outstanding performance, with a focus on safety, sustainability, reliability and professional excellence.

Her achievement is particularly significant for women in road transport, as she becomes the second consecutive woman to receive the award.

A powerful message for the future of road transport

BSEC-URTA warmly congratulates Desislava Yordanova on this remarkable achievement and recognises her success as an inspiring example of professionalism, dedication and commitment within the road transport sector.

Her achievement also sends an important message at a time when the road transport industry across Europe continues to seek skilled professional drivers. Increasing the visibility of women in the sector and creating opportunities for their participation are important elements in building a more diverse, inclusive and sustainable road transport workforce.

As BSEC-URTA continues to promote cooperation and dialogue across the Black Sea region and beyond, we are pleased to highlight achievements that contribute to greater recognition of women in road transport and encourage the next generation of women to consider professional driving as a rewarding career opportunity.

BSEC-URTA congratulates Desislava Yordanova and wishes her continued success on the road ahead.

14/09/2026

The BSEC-URTA Passenger Transport Working Group met online on 3 September 2026 with the participation of member associations, sector experts and representatives of regional institutions, including BSEC PERMIS and PABSEC.

The meeting focused on border-crossing delays, professional driver shortages, visa restrictions and digitalisation in international passenger transport.

Mr Emre Ak, representing the TOBB passenger transport sector, presented Türkiye’s U-ETDS – Transport Electronic Tracking and Supervision System. He highlighted the importance of digital systems for recording and monitoring passenger, driver, vehicle and journey data and their potential contribution to international transport.

Mr Iulian Postica shared Moldova’s experience and addressed the impact of EU legislation and international conventions on passenger transport. Participants also received the latest version of the University of Geneva study covering Türkiye, Greece and Serbia, which underlined the importance of protecting small and medium-sized transport operators.

Members emphasised that passenger and freight transport increasingly face common structural challenges. Long border waiting times, driver shortages and visa-related restrictions negatively affect passenger comfort, operational efficiency, tourism and regional connectivity.

The Working Group discussed organizing an International Passenger Transport Conference bringing together public authorities, international organisations, academia and the private sector. The conference will address border crossings, digitalisation, driver shortages, visa procedures, passenger rights and regulatory cooperation.

Another important outcome was the establishment of a dedicated group to examine the impact of the Schengen 90/180-day rule on professional drivers. The group will develop constructive proposals that balance the operational needs of international transport with the EU’s security and migration-management considerations. A possible “Trusted Professional Driver” mechanism will also be evaluated.

BSEC-URTA will continue working under the principle of “Common Solutions for Common Problems” to facilitate border crossings, improve professional driver mobility and support sustainable passenger and freight transport across the wider Black Sea region.

30/07/2026

Strengthening Regional Cooperation for the Future of Road Transport

The BSEC-URTA Delegation, consisting of Secretary General Mehmet Uylukçu, Deputy Secretary General Alpdoğan Kahraman, and BSEC Experts Elif Nuhoğlu and Şadiye Nuhoğlu, had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Çağlar Tabak, the newly appointed Director General of Transport Services Regulation of the Republic of Türkiye.

The meeting reaffirmed the long-standing and constructive cooperation between the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye and BSEC-URTA on regional transport, border facilitation, multilateral permit systems, digitalization and future transport policies.

One of the most inspiring discussions focused on one of BSEC-URTA’s flagship initiatives: expanding the use of the BSEC Permit System to facilitate exports from Türkiye to Armenia. Such a step would not only support international road transport but also contribute to regional dialogue, friendship, peace and economic prosperity across the Black Sea region.

The delegation and the Ministry also exchanged views on strengthening the image of the road transport profession, supporting professional drivers, and enhancing cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital transformation, which will shape the future of transport.

We sincerely thank Dr. Çağlar Tabak for his warm hospitality and wish him every success in his new position.

Together, we continue working to make the impossible possible through cooperation, connectivity and friendship.

24/07/2026

🚛 Waiting Trucks at Kipi Border Crossing… A Modern Odyssey? 🎼

It seems that Odysseus has returned to the Kipi Border Crossing…

The only difference is that this time, instead of a wooden horse, there is a queue of trucks stretching as far as the eye can see.

For the international road transport community, every hour spent waiting at a border means delayed deliveries, increased costs, and unnecessary pressure on professional drivers.

While the soundtrack reminds us of an ancient Greek epic, the challenge facing our industry is very real.

Following the joint letter submitted by BSEC-URTA and its member associations, and the subsequent field visit to the Kipi Border Crossing, the need for practical measures to improve border connectivity and efficiency has once again become evident.

We sincerely hope that the next chapter of this story will not be another epic journey—but a modern, efficient, and seamless border crossing for the entire Black Sea transport community.

🚛 Road transport should connect economies—not write new Odysseys.

24/07/2026

Kipi Connectivity (Διασυνδεσιμότητα) Initiative Brings the BSEC Road Transport Community Together

Improving border connectivity is not just about infrastructure—it is about strengthening regional trade, facilitating international road transport, and creating more efficient transport corridors.

It was a pleasure to take part in the Kipi Connectivity (Διασυνδεσιμότητα) Initiative, bringing together representatives of the BSEC road transport community, public authorities, and industry stakeholders to discuss practical solutions for smoother border crossings and stronger regional cooperation.

As BSEC-URTA, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that enhance connectivity, reduce border bottlenecks, and contribute to more sustainable and competitive transport networks across the BSEC region.

Together, stronger cooperation creates stronger corridors.
https://bsec-urta.org/2026/07/24/kipi-connectivity-%ce%b4%ce%b9%ce%b1%cf%83%cf%85%ce%bd%ce%b4%ce%b5%cf%83%ce%b9%ce%bc%cf%8c%cf%84%ce%b7%cf%84%ce%b1-initiative-brings-the-bsec-road-transport-community-together/

Bsec-Urta

15/10/2026

09/10/2026

30/09/2026

29/09/2026

25/09/2026

25/09/2026

14/09/2026

30/07/2026

24/07/2026

24/07/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request