27.12.2024

Distinguished participants of the event!

I sincerely welcome you at the inauguration ceremony of construction of the new China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway.

The first-ever full-fledged Agreement on the implementation of this strategic trans-regional project was signed six months ago. The preparation of technical documentation has been completed in a short span of time. And today, we are launching relevant construction works.

This is a truly historic event, which marks the 30 years-long journey of our friendly countries.

A new transportation artery of international significance is being formed.

It will connect the Central Asian region with China through the shortest overland route and further expand multifaceted cooperation and strengthen the strategic partnership among our countries.

The project is also perfectly aligned with the goals of the Belt and Road Initiative, today uniting many countries of the world for the benefit of common sustainable development and prosperity.

In this regard, I would like to once again express my gratitude to my esteemed colleagues – Mr. Xi Jinping, the President of the People's Republic of China, and Mr. Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, for their personal contribution and active efforts in promoting the project.

Dear participants of the ceremony!

I would like to underscore the great impact that the construction of the new railway will have on the economies of our countries and our vast region.

This major infrastructure project envisages extensive cooperation with cutting-edge engineering, innovative and digital solutions, while complying with high environmental standards.

A total of 20 stations, 42 bridges and 25 tunnels will be built along the Kashgar - Torugart - Makmal - Jalal-Abad - Andijan route.

In addition, state-of-the-art transit and logistics infrastructure, as well as warehouses and terminals will be developed.

It is estimated that the commissioning of this road will have a multiplier effect on regional trade and investment, significantly reduce transport costs and unlock the enormous transit potential of Central Asia.

I would like to point out a few more figures.

The annual freight traffic along the corridor will total 15 million tons.

The distance and delivery time of goods from China to European markets will reduce by several thousand kilometers and almost a week.

There will be an opportunity to organize regular passenger traffic services.

In the long run, interlinking of this railway with the Trans-Afghan corridor will effectively connect and strengthen the transport and communication interconnectivity of China, Central and South Asia.

Obviously, all our countries will feel the economic benefits. Hundreds of new enterprises and tens of thousands of jobs will be created.

And, certainly, this project will facilitate the revival of the Great Silk Road, the development of cultural and humanitarian exchanges, and further bringing of our peoples closer together.

Dear friends!

Uzbekistan is committed to active participation in all stages of the construction of the railway, making full use of all available technical and intellectual resources.

I am convinced that with joint efforts this transport corridor will become another symbol of our strong friendship, partnership and progress.

On the eve of the New Year, I wish every success to the engineers, construction workers, and all those involved in the implementation of this strategic project. Today your hands are building the shared future of our countries and our region.

Thank you for your attention.

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