The head of state Kassym-Jomart Tokayev launched the second line of the Dostyk – Moyynty railway. He announced this at the VII International Transport and Logistics Business Forum New Silk Way.
According to the press service of Akorda, in his speech the President emphasised that the project is of strategic importance for Kazakhstan and will be an important step in the development of the country's transport and logistics system.
Tokayev recalled that 35 years ago the Dostyk – Alashankou route was launched, connecting the railway lines of Kazakhstan and China. He described this event as historic.
Veterans of the railway's construction were invited to the opening ceremony, and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanked them for their contribution to the development of transport infrastructure.
According to the President, the transport and logistics sector remains a key driving force of the economy and a crucial factor in strengthening international ties. He noted Kazakhstan's role in the development of the Great Silk Road and stressed that Kazakh-Chinese relations are built on strong friendship and mutual trust.
Tokayev also linked the project to the global "One Belt, One Road" initiative, which was presented in Kazakhstan in 2013 by the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping. In the head of state's view, the second Dostyk – Moyynty line clearly demonstrates the country's active participation in the implementation of this initiative and serves its national interests.
It is worth recalling that earlier Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the 8th meeting of the Kazakh-Chinese Business Council in Beijing and reported that, thanks to the commissioning of the second tracks on the Dostyk – Moyynty section, the capacity of the "China – Europe" transit corridor will increase fivefold this year.