Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed optimism about the future of China-Kazakhstan relations, emphasizing that both nations can achieve significant accomplishments through strengthened bilateral cooperation. His remarks were published in a signed article in Kazakh media on Tuesday, ahead of his visit to Astana for the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Reflecting on his proposal of the Silk Road Economic Belt in Kazakhstan 11 years ago, President Xi noted that the initiative marked a new chapter in Belt and Road cooperation between the two countries. Since then, China-Kazakhstan relations have entered a new stage of development, with both nations supporting each other’s core interests and respecting their chosen development paths.
President Xi highlighted that China is now Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner and top export destination, with bilateral trade reaching a record high of $41 billion last year. He emphasized the untapped potential in sectors such as new energy and transportation infrastructure, calling for deeper cooperation in business, trade, industrial capacity, investment, energy, mining, and agriculture.
The Chinese leader underscored the importance of enhancing the efficiency of customs clearance at border ports and ensuring the high-quality operation of the China-Europe Railway Express. He also advocated for advancing the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route to create a more multidimensional and efficient network connecting the two countries.
On cultural and people-to-people exchanges, President Xi called for increased mutual understanding and affinity between the Chinese and Kazakh peoples. He welcomed joint education programs, research projects, and closer interactions across various sectors, encouraging more cooperation in education, tourism, archaeology, arts, and media.
President Xi expressed his hope that his visit would renew the traditional friendship between China and Kazakhstan and deepen all-round cooperation. He affirmed China’s readiness to work with Kazakhstan amidst global changes, upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core and opposing hegemonism and power politics.
Concluding his article, President Xi emphasized that strengthened China-Kazakhstan cooperation would provide positivity and certainty for world peace and stability. He called for both nations to seize new opportunities and open up new horizons in a shifting global landscape.
Reference(s):
Xi: China, Kazakhstan will accomplish a great deal in cooperation
cgtn.com
