国内英语新闻:China signs over 130 transport pacts with Belt and Road countries

BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhua) -- China has signed more than 130 bilateral and regional transport agreements with countries involved in the Belt and Road, the Ministry of Transport said Thursday.

Spokesman Wu Chungeng said at a press conference the agreements signed over the past three years covered rail, road, sea and air transportation, as well as postal services.

"Transportation connectivity is the founding priority of the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative," Wu said.

The country has opened 356 international road routes for both passengers and goods, while maritime transportation services now cover all countries along the Belt and Road, he added.

Every week, some 4,200 direct flights connect China with 43 Belt and Road countries. Railway border procedures have been streamlined, with 39 China-Europe freight train routes currently in operation, Wu said.

China plans cooperation in transport planning and standards, construction of land and sea routes, and improved international transport conditions, the spokesman said.

Proposed by China in 2013, the Belt and Road is a transnational network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa, promoting common development among all countries involved.

Next month, the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation will be held in Beijing.