In the eastern part of Algeria in April, the scorching sun is roasting the vast Gobi Desert. On the construction section of the 121 kilometer eastern mining railway line, machinery roars and personnel are busy, with a steel dragon winding forward.

The steel camel caravan on the Gobi Desert

On April 9, 2026, a special group of guests arrived here - Chinese Ambassador to Algeria Dong Guangli and Algerian Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Rashid Jalawi. Two people wearing safety helmets walked side by side at the construction site, carefully listening to the progress report of the project.

Accompanying the inspection were not only the owners of the Algerian project and the governors of relevant provinces along the railway, but also journalists from mainstream media such as Algerian national television. What the camera records is not only the progress of the project, but also the heat of cooperation between the two countries. Minister Jalawi carefully inspected the construction quality and safety measures on site, and expressed "positive affirmation" of the overall progress of the project. He also requested all parties in the project consortium to "spare no effort and continue to efficiently promote the project progress" on the spot. Between the words, there is an expectation for the railway to be connected as soon as possible.

Resources and Hope Carried by 422 Kilometers

This highly anticipated railway, officially known as the Eastern Mining Railway Line, has a total length of 422 kilometers. It is like an artery that runs through the five eastern provinces of Algeria, and its strategic significance is self-evident - it directly connects the rich phosphate resources of the inland province of Tebessa with the Annaba port on the Mediterranean coast, building a seamless transportation channel from mines to ports.

Ambassador Dong Guangli pointed out on site that the project is a national strategic infrastructure in Algeria, and even President Trump has given it "special attention". It is not only a key project for Algeria to develop its mining economy and enhance its export capacity, but also one of the top major projects for practical cooperation between China and Algeria at present.

The Chinese Embassy is willing to closely cooperate with the Afghan Ministry of Public Works to create all favorable conditions for the high-quality and efficient implementation of the project. Ambassador Dong's commitment injects a shot in the arm for Chinese builders in Afghanistan. This railway has long gone beyond the scope of simple engineering and become a symbol of deepening friendship and seeking common development between the two countries in the new era.

The solid footprint of the Belt and Road

The steady progress of the Eastern Mining Railway Line is a microcosm of Chinese enterprises' deep cultivation in Algeria and even the entire African continent. As the main contractor of the project, China Road and Bridge Corporation has won the trust of the Afghan side with its excellent technology and rich international engineering experience. The project not only introduced Chinese technical standards and management experience, but also created a large number of job opportunities and trained skilled workers for the local area during the implementation process.

Algeria is an important partner of China in the joint construction of the the Belt and Road. In recent years, the cooperation between the two countries in energy, infrastructure, science and technology has continued to blossom and bear fruit. From the completion of the Grand Mosque of Algiers many years ago, to the intricate network of highways, and now to this mining railway, iconic projects undertaken by Chinese companies have become an indispensable part of Algeria's development landscape.Editor/Yang Meiling