Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has signed a contract with neighboring Tajikistan to open the first cross-border bus line beginning in June to meet the increasing frequent exchanges between both sides.

The operation of the bus line will make Tajikistan the fifth country to have cross-border exit and entry transport with the autonomous region, together with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Pakistan.

"The operation of the bus line will have great significance for Xinjiang's linking other parts of China with central Asian countries," said Luo Jianxin, deputy director of Xinjiang Regional Department of Communications.

The 669-km bus line, running from Xinjiang's Kashi (Kashgar) City to Khorugh City, capital of Badakhshan region in Tajikistan, will begin operation as of June 26.

Each city will send a bus to the other city on the sixth, 16th and 26th day every month.

(Xinhua News Agency May 24, 2004)