Kazakhstan, China strengthening ties with new railway project PHOTO

Kazakhstan and China continue actively intensifying their cooperation within the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

During his visit to Beijing, Kazakhstan’s Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev discussed strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation in a meeting with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Zhao Leji, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

Ashimbayev noted that Kazakhstan and China continue strengthening their cooperation within the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Specifically, the construction of the third railway line between Kazakhstan and China – "Ayagoz-Tachen" – has begun, with plans to open a third border railway crossing.

He noted that this route already plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of supply chains between Asia and Europe. 

In March 2024, Zhao Leji visited Astana, where he met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. At that time, the Kazakh president emphasized that relations of friendship and cooperation with China remain an unequivocal priority for Kazakhstan.

"We are coordinating all government agencies to work closely with the relevant agencies of the People's Republic of China to further develop our comprehensive strategic partnership," Tokayev stated.

He also highlighted that both parties are focused on taking the Kazakhstan-China relations to a qualitatively new level. 

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) is an integral component of the Belt and Road Initiative, established to create a direct transportation link from Asia to Europe. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route starts from Southeast Asia and China, runs through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and further to European countries. It aims to facilitate trade and economic cooperation by connecting major economic regions through a network of railways, highways, and maritime routes.

By Naila Huseynova