China, Myanmar sign MoU on feasibility study of Mandalay-Kyaukphyu railway

China and Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Sunday to conduct feasibility study of a railway linking Mandalay, the country's second largest city in Myanmar's central region, with Kyaukphyu, the major town in Myanmar's Rakhine state, according to a release from the Chinese embassy in Myanmar.

Delegates from China and Myanmar sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to conduct feasibility study of a railway linking Mandalay with Kyaukphyu in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Jan. 10, 2021. (Chinese Embassy in Myanmar/Handout via Xinhua)

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai said that the railway will contribute to Myanmar's economic development and the well-being of people as well as to strengthen the national reconciliation and peace process in Myanmar.

China-Myanmar railway cooperation, which includes the Mandalay-Kyaukphyu section, is an important project for the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, Myanmar Transport and Communication Minister U Thant Zin Maung told the ceremony.

He expressed appreciation to China for its long-term support for peace development and railway projects in Myanmar and he also believed that the cooperation between the two countries will benefit the two peoples.