BISHKEK, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev on Thursday praised the opening of a road section built by a Chinese company in southern Kyrgyzstan, saying it was a great event for the region and the whole country, according to the Kyrgyz presidential press service.
"The day has come, which we all have waited for. After all, when we started the construction work, many did not believe that this road would be built," he said at the opening ceremony of the section on the Osh-Batken-Isfana Road in the town of Isfana.
The road section was rehabilitated by China Road and Bridge Corporation and financed by the Export-Import Bank of China, the presidential press service said.
Atambayev said that Kyrgyzstan has found the way to development, and should not leave it.
The Kyrgyz leader expressed gratitude to the Chinese partners for their help in the construction of the highway.
Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Xiao Qinghua said at the opening ceremony that the opening of the section of the road is another example of Chinese-Kyrgyz cooperation.
"This road will not only contribute to the development of the area, but will also be an important transport corridor in the region," Xiao said.
"As a good neighbor and a strategic partner, China is happy about the achievements of its friend Kyrgyzstan and will continue to consistently provide all possible assistance to Kyrgyzstan during its economic development and improving people's well-being," Xiao said.
The rehabilitation of the road section started in 2013. The complete rehabilitation of the road is scheduled for October 2017.
