A new air cargo route was launched on Saturday, linking Kashgar Prefecture in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Georgia's capital Tbilisi.
The freighter landed in southern Xinjiang's Kashgar Laining International Airport on the day, carrying chilled Norwegian salmon, live French brown crabs and Tajik cherries.
The air cargo charter for the first time opened up a channel for Kashgar to import fresh seafood from Europe.
Aviation cold chain technology was used to ensure that brown crabs and salmon remained fresh. Advanced preservation technology was also used to preserve the cherries' nutrients and taste.
"The import of these goods will greatly enrich the Belt and Road Initiative cooperation and Kashgar's foreign trade. Next, we will add more routes. We plan to open at least four routes within this year," said Zhang Ating, chairman of Kashgar Trade and Logistics Group.
New air cargo route links aviation hub of southern Xinjiang, Georgia
European Union (EU) leaders said on Monday that the bloc was ready to play a role in easing tensions in the Middle East, calling for de-escalation and a return to negotiations.
The EU stands ready to "contribute in every possible way to help de-escalate the situation and facilitate the return to the negotiating table," European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint statement following a video conference with leaders from the region.
They added that dialogue and diplomacy remain "the only viable way forward."
Von der Leyen and Costa reaffirmed the EU's commitment to regional stability in the Middle East, calling for the protection of civilians and full respect for international law, international humanitarian law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, according to the statement.
They also expressed "their openness" to enhance maritime defensive operations, which are aimed at protecting critical waterways and preventing any disruption to vital supply chains, the statement said.
EU ready to help de-escalate situation in Middle East: statement
