Today, the Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov attended the ceremony in Jalal-Abad region to launch the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, his press service reported.

The first stone in the foundation of the project was laid in Tosh-Kutchu village near Jalal-Abad city.

Speaking at the event, Sadyr Japarov emphasized that the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is not just a transport corridor, but an important strategic bridge that will connect the countries of the East and West.

"This railroad will not only deliver goods from China to Kyrgyzstan, but also to the countries of Central Asia and the Middle East, including Turkiye, and further to the EU countries. The project will foster interregional ties, help diversify transport routes and increase the competitiveness of the region as an international transport and transit hub, which is in line with the goals of the Central Asian countries," Sadyr Japarov emphasized.

Then, Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission of China, Zheng Shanjie read out an address from the Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Xi Jinping stated that this project would become a new land corridor connecting Asia and Europe, and would significantly boost the movement of people and the trade between the three countries. The project will effectively develop industry, develop resources, and will also facilitate trade and attract investment.

The address of the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was read out by the Deputy PM Jamshid Khodjayev.

"This is a truly historic event, which our friendly countries have been working towards for almost 30 years. A new transport artery of international importance is being formed. It will connect the Central Asian region with China by the shortest land route," the message from the President of Uzbekistan says.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev voiced gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov for their personal contribution and active efforts to promote the project.

"I would like to underscore the great effect of the new railway for the economies of our countries and our vast region. This major infrastructure project envisages broad cooperation based on advanced engineering, innovative and digital solutions, in compliance with high environmental standards," the president said.

He underscored that 20 stations, 42 bridges and 25 tunnels would be built along the Kashgar-Torugart-Makmal-Jalal-Abad-Andijan route. In addition, modern transit and logistics infrastructure, warehouses and terminals will be created.

It is estimated that the commissioning of this railway will serve to significantly increase the scale of regional trade and investment, significantly reduce transport costs and unlock the enormous transit potential of Central Asia.

It is expected that the annual volume of cargo transportation along the new corridor will reach 15 million tons. The distance and delivery time of goods from China to European countries will be reduced by several thousand kilometers and almost a week. It will be possible to organize regular passenger transportation.

In the future, the connection of this railway line and the Trans-Afghan Corridor will effectively connect and strengthen the transport and communication interconnectivity of China, Central and South Asia, the message noted.

At the same time, hundreds of new enterprises and tens of thousands of jobs will be created.

“And, of course, this project will contribute to the revival of the Great Silk Road, the development of cultural and humanitarian exchange, and the further rapprochement of our peoples,” the president said in his message.

“Uzbekistan intends to actively participate in all stages of the railway project, using all available technical and intellectual resources to the fullest extent. I am convinced that through joint efforts, this transport corridor will become another symbol of our strong friendship, partnership and progress,” the message said.

On the eve of the New Year, the head of state wished great success to engineers, builders and everyone involved in the implementation of this strategic project.

“Today, with your hands you are creating the common future of our countries and that of our region,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev concluded.