Envoy: Azerbaijan plays key role in China's economic relations

Azerbaijan has always played an important role in China's economic relations, Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei said at an event marking the 5th anniversary of the China (Zhejiang) – Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the arrival of the 237th Yiwu (China) – Baku (Azerbaijan) freight train, Report informs.

According to her, the China-Europe railway express route is a flagship project and symbolic brand of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The ambassador noted that in recent years, Azerbaijan has fully utilized its geographical advantages to support the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route:

"President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited China twice this year. In April, bilateral relations reached a historic high, elevating to the level of comprehensive strategic cooperation. Azerbaijan has consistently played a key role in China's economic relations. From January to June this year, 225 freight trains were dispatched from China to Azerbaijan - twice as many as in the same period last year. Thanks to the joint efforts of both countries, the China-Europe railway express route will continue to grow."