Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 27 December, a ceremonial event marked the beginning of construction for the "China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan" railway in the Kyrgyz Republic. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in Tosh-Kutchu, located in Jalal-Abad city.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov highlighted the strategic importance of the project during his speech. According to him, the "China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan" railway is not just a transportation route but a critical bridge connecting East and West.

"This corridor will facilitate the movement of goods from China through Kyrgyzstan to Central Asia, the Middle East—including Türkiye—and further into the European Union. The project will strengthen regional connectivity, diversify transport routes, and elevate the region's status as an international transit hub, aligning with the interests of all Central Asian nations," said Sadyr Japarov.

Zheng Shanjie, Chairman of China's National Development and Reform Commission, read a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping. In his address, Xi Jinping emphasized that the project establishes a new land corridor linking Asia and Europe, significantly improving the movement of people and goods among the three countries. The initiative is expected to drive industrial development, resource utilization, trade growth, and investment attraction, contributing positively to regional prosperity.

Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjayev conveyed a message from Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The Uzbek leader called the commencement of construction a historic milestone that the three countries have pursued for nearly three decades.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that the new railway will serve as the shortest land route connecting Central Asia with China. It will create opportunities to deepen multifaceted cooperation and strengthen the strategic partnership between China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

The ceremony concluded with the symbolic laying of the first stone, led by Sadyr Japarov, officially launching one of the region's most significant infrastructure projects.