At the recently concluded 5th China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Chengdu, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his counterparts from the five Central Asian nations pledged to deepen mutual trust and enhance comprehensive cooperation.
Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted the progress made during the discussions. He emphasized that the meeting strengthened mutual trust and laid the groundwork for advancing all-round collaboration among the nations.
The ministers engaged in in-depth communication regarding preparations for the 2nd China-Central Asia Summit, which is scheduled to be held in Kazakhstan next year.
Wang Yi outlined five key consensuses reached during the meeting:
- Strengthening Mechanisms Under Head-of-State Guidance: The six countries agreed to adhere to the leadership of their respective heads of state, aiming to make the China-Central Asia mechanism more robust and effective.
- Deepening All-Round Cooperation Toward Modernization: The nations committed to enhancing cooperation in various sectors. China expressed willingness to expand partnerships with Central Asian countries in areas such as BeiDou Navigation Satellite System applications, poverty reduction, desertification control, higher education, and people-to-people exchanges.
- Upholding Regional Peace and Security: The countries pledged to share responsibilities in maintaining regional peace and actively implement the China-proposed Global Security Initiative. They collectively oppose external interference in the internal affairs of Central Asian nations and support Afghanistan’s efforts toward peaceful reconstruction.
- Fostering Cultural Exchanges and Everlasting Friendship: Emphasizing mutual learning among civilizations, the nations aim to strengthen the foundation of their enduring friendship. China announced plans to provide 1,500 training opportunities and increase scholarships by 600 for students from Central Asian countries over the next three years, cultivating talent across various fields.
- Defending Multilateralism and International Justice: The countries agreed to uphold multilateralism and safeguard international equity and justice. They will continue to coordinate in international and regional affairs, promote solidarity within the global South, and oppose any form of “decoupling and breaking chains.”
Additionally, the six nations expressed full support for China in assuming the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). They aim to jointly elevate the SCO’s development to new heights.
The meeting signifies a strengthening of ties between China and Central Asian countries, reflecting a shared commitment to cooperation, regional stability, and mutual growth.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
