In a significant move to bolster regional ties, China and Kyrgyzstan have pledged to deepen their cooperation across various sectors, including trade, infrastructure, and regional partnerships.
On Saturday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kulubaev Zheenbek Moldokanovich, in Chengdu, a vibrant city in southwestern China.
During the meeting, Wang Yi highlighted the rapid development of China-Kyrgyzstan relations. He pointed to several landmark projects as symbols of this flourishing partnership. One such initiative is the upcoming China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway, which is poised to enhance connectivity and economic integration in the region. Additionally, the phased operational opening of the Beshkent border port is set to facilitate trade and movement between the two nations.
“We should continue to carry forward the fine tradition of mutual respect and support, deepen strategic trust, and expand our mutually beneficial cooperation to elevate the China-Kyrgyzstan comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights,” Wang Yi emphasized.
Expressing China’s commitment to strengthening economic ties, Wang Yi proposed accelerating the signing of an intergovernmental services trade and investment agreement. This agreement aims to provide a robust legal framework to support ongoing and future collaborations. He also underscored the importance of enhancing infrastructure at key border ports like Beshkent and increasing direct flights to promote the seamless movement of people and goods.
Kulubaev Zheenbek Moldokanovich echoed these sentiments, praising the strong alignment of interests between the two countries. He noted that there are no political differences between China and Kyrgyzstan, underscoring the depth of their mutual understanding. Reflecting on successful high-level exchanges earlier this year, including meetings between their heads of state, he expressed optimism about the future trajectory of their relationship.
Kulubaev also expressed a desire to establish a high-level strategic dialogue mechanism, aiming to further strengthen cooperation in various fields such as trade, investment, customs, and ports.
Both sides agreed on the necessity of enhancing coordination within international frameworks, including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the China-Central Asia mechanism. Kulubaev conveyed Kyrgyzstan’s full support for China’s role as the rotating chair of the SCO and reiterated the country’s commitment to promoting and practicing the “Shanghai Spirit” in advancing regional cooperation.
This meeting signifies a mutual dedication to not only strengthen bilateral ties but also to contribute collaboratively to regional stability and prosperity. For global readers and investors, this development opens up new avenues for engagement with Central Asia’s burgeoning economic landscape.
Reference(s):
China, Kyrgyzstan to deepen cooperation across various sectors
cgtn.com
