China and Turkmenistan will further expand cooperation in the railway sector following a memorandum of understanding signed on June 12, the China State Railway Group Co said in a press release on Monday.
The memorandum was signed via video link by Liu Zhenfang, chairman of the board of the China State Railway Group Co and Azat Atamyradov, chairman of the Türkmendemirýollary Agency of the Ministry of Industry and Communication.
Liu said that China and Turkmenistan have deepened pragmatic cooperation in various fields, including jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and promoting the high-quality development of the China-Europe freight train.
The deal has significant meaning in promoting bilateral economic and trade exchanges, developing international railway channels passing through China and Turkmenistan, and enhancing railway connections between Asia and Europe, Liu said.
The signing of the memorandum will further smooth rail transportation channels between China and Europe, and promote mutually beneficial and win-win development, Atamyradov said.
Atamyradov noted that Turkmenistan has actively supported the development of international railway cargo transportation from China to Europe that passes through Turkmenistan, especially container transportation, adding that the Turkmen side hopes to continue to deepen cooperation with the China State Railway Group and further promote the implementation of Turkmenistan’s strategy of reviving the Silk Road.