TASS reported that Mongolia plans to build a railroad to Europe bypassing Russia. The issue was discussed during the meeting of Mongolia’s President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj with Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel.
He also pointed out that the railroad could be built across China. “We are capable to construct a new railroad track independent of Russia. During China’s President Xi Jinping visit to Ulan Bator, we reached an accord on the railroad project through China. A lot of relevant issues have been agreed with China earlier,” the news agency quotes the President as saying. At the same time, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj noted that he would like to obtain consent of Russia.
Importantly, Mongolia participates in CAREC (Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program) which also unites China, former Soviet Asian republics, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The program aims to establish economic ties with the European Union such as increasing sales turnover and building land transport infrastructure. CAREC projects are funded by the Asian Development Bank, the IMF, the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
