BISHKEK, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- Since a railway project launched in late 2024 connecting China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, Chinese and local construction workers have worked side by side diligently.
The railway, a landmark Belt and Road cooperation project personally promoted by the leaders of the three countries, has brought together specialists and workers from China and Central Asia. Among them are Chinese engineer Yang Dong and Kyrgyz construction worker Zholboldu Korchubaev.
Yang has more than 40 years of experience in railway construction. As the technical director of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, he oversees training for Kyrgyz construction workers. Before long, Yang formed a friendship with 32-year-old Korchubaev from Kyrgyzstan's Jalal-Abad region.
For Korchubaev, working on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway has been life-changing. "Our country has never had such a modern railway. Joining this project for me isn't just a job, but a way for me to grow and realize my dream," he said.
Before he became accustomed to the new equipment and technology, Korchubaev considered giving up. Yang stepped in and showed him the ropes.
Through repeated practice, he mastered the required skills. He became proficient in rebar welding and operating various types of equipment and well-versed in railway construction standards and regulations.
"Yang generously shares his experience, and we are working together on a great project. This friendship is especially valuable," he said.
Yang is particularly proud that Korchubaev can now perform various tasks independently. He, too, faced difficulties during his early days working in Kyrgyzstan.
"Among them were the harsh winter weather and the language barrier," Yang said, adding that Korchubaev helped him adapt to the climate and introduced him to local customs. "I'm so glad that through this major project, I learned to communicate with people from another country and with a different mentality," the Chinese engineer said.
Speaking about the prospects of the railway, Yang said it would facilitate travel between China and Kyrgyzstan, promote infrastructure development in the villages and towns along the route, and improve education and healthcare, thereby raising living standards among the local population.
Korchubaev believes the new railway would lead Kyrgyzstan to prosperity.
"Freight transportation will become more convenient, helping bring more factories to the region and create jobs. Young people will have more opportunities, and children will be able to see the world," he said.
For both Yang and Korchubaev, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is not only a transport link but also a bridge of friendship and cooperation.
"Over more than a year of working together, builders from our countries have already become one big family," Yang said.
Korchubaev said that through their joint work, he had truly experienced the diligence and kindness of the Chinese people.
"This railway has brought the peoples of our countries closer together and will further strengthen cooperation between us, allowing the flower of friendship to bloom even more luxuriantly," Korchubaev said. ■
