China's Li Qiang calls for progress on Central Asia railway

Belt and Road link to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan has been delayed by cost debate

20231025N China Li Qiang

Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Kyrgyzstan's leaders during a visit to the capital of Bishkek this week. © Kyodo

Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for accelerated cooperation on a planned international railway linking China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan during a visit to the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek on Wednesday, Russian and Chinese state media reported.

China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan reached a basic agreement in September 2022 on an international railway connecting the three countries. Construction was expected to begin this fall, but China reportedly decided to postpone the project due to differences over construction cost sharing.

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