In a significant move towards enhanced regional connectivity, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev officially congratulated each other on the signing of the intergovernmental agreement for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project via a video link on Thursday.
President Xi highlighted that the railway is a strategic project aimed at improving connectivity between the Chinese mainland and Central Asia. He emphasized that this landmark construction is a key milestone in Belt and Road cooperation among the three nations.
\"The signing of this intergovernmental agreement provides a solid legal foundation for the construction of the project, turning the railway from a vision into reality,\" Xi stated. He assured that China is committed to collaborating closely with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to initiate construction promptly and complete the strategic route to benefit all three countries and their peoples as soon as possible.
Kyrgyz President Japarov described the railway as a new transport artery that will link Asia to Europe and the Persian Gulf countries. He noted its significance in strengthening economic and trade exchanges, not just between the countries along the route but across the entire region.
Uzbek President Mirziyoyev added that the railway will become the shortest land route connecting the Chinese mainland with Central Asian countries. He also pointed out that it will open up vast markets in South Asia and the Middle East, fostering greater cooperation among regional countries and China.
The railway is set to commence in Kashgar, located in the northwest of the Chinese mainland's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and will traverse through Kyrgyzstan into Uzbekistan. There are plans for future extensions to West Asia and South Asia, further enhancing the region's connectivity.
