An opening ceremony of underwater subway system in the Bosporus Strait was held on October 29th in Istanbul, Turkey, connecting the two continents of Asia and Europe by rail for the first time. Partially financed with Japanese Yen loan, the project was undertaken by a joint venture led by Taisei Corp. Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the ceremony.

“Turkey and Japan are two wings exploring World’s peace and stability. It is a great achievement realizing a 150 year-dream and a historical step for Turkey. I look forward to a next dream of Turkish people.” Abe said at the ceremony. Thanking Japan for its assistance, he hoped to expand introduction of technologies of Turkey and Japan in other areas such as Europe and Middle East, said Erdogan.

The first train set out with participants including Takashi Yamauchi, President of Taisei. Of the tunnel’s total cost of about 390 billion yen, 153 billion yen was provided by Japanese official development assistance. The subway runs 76.3 km tracks in total and the 13.6 km-long initial section opened on the day. (2013/10/31)