Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation during a high-profile meeting in Astana on Tuesday. The talks, held alongside the second China-Central Asia Summit, focused on enhancing economic partnerships and regional stability.
"China views Kyrgyzstan as a crucial partner in building a shared future for Central Asia," President Xi stated, emphasizing plans to expand collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative. The leaders witnessed the signing of three agreements covering trade facilitation, agricultural technology transfers, and cross-border infrastructure development.
President Japarov highlighted growing two-way trade, which reached $2.1 billion in 2023, representing a 17% year-on-year increase. "Our partnership with China brings tangible benefits to Kyrgyz people through improved transportation networks and job creation," he noted.
The meeting comes as Central Asia emerges as a key hub for China's westward economic expansion, with combined trade between China and the five Central Asian nations growing 22% annually since 2020. Analysts suggest the summit outcomes could influence regional energy security frameworks and digital connectivity projects.
