Bridging the Altai: Kazakhstan and Mongolia to build direct highway link

Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh arrived in Astana on a state visit Tuesday.

Following the signing of intergovernmental agreements, Khürelsükh and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a joint media briefing, where Tokayev said the countries had agreed to explore building a highway connecting Kazakhstan and Mongolia.

Highway project under review

Tokayev said the project would require comprehensive analysis. At this stage, the two sides agreed to establish an intergovernmental task force to study its feasibility.

He said the potential launch of such a route could significantly boost trade ties.

«The integration of the transport and logistics potential of the four countries in the Altai region will create a unified transit corridor that will not only stimulate trade but also support the development of the unique Altai tourism cluster,» Tokayev said.

Kazakhstan does not share a direct border with Mongolia, and details of how such a highway would be routed have not yet been specified.

Plans to resume air links

Tokayev also said direct flights between Astana and Ulaanbaatar are expected to resume in the near future.

Additionally, an agreement was signed to establish air service between Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) and Ölgii.