In a significant move to strengthen regional ties, China and five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—officially launched the Secretariat of the China-Central Asia Cooperation Mechanism in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, on Saturday.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by representatives from the six nations, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Central Asian counterparts sending congratulatory letters. Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, praised the progress made since the mechanism’s initiation four years ago.
“The establishment of the Secretariat signifies that the consensus reached by the heads of state has been implemented,” Wang Yi stated. “It demonstrates the firm determination of our six countries to work together for development and cooperation.”
Foreign ministers from the Central Asian countries expressed their high expectations for the Secretariat, pledging full support for its work. They anticipate that the Secretariat will inject new momentum into cooperation between China and Central Asia.
Sun Weidong, China’s Vice Foreign Minister, outlined the Secretariat’s primary responsibilities: promoting the implementation of agreements reached by the heads of state, preparing for the China-Central Asia Summit, and supporting foreign ministers’ meetings and cooperation in key areas.
“We hope the Secretariat will actively perform its duties and be a ‘servant’ of the China-Central Asia Mechanism,” Sun Weidong added.
Wu Yingqin, Executive Director of the Secretariat, affirmed the commitment to fully implement the outcomes of the China-Central Asia Summit and promote cooperation in key areas, aiming for new achievements in China-Central Asia collaboration.
The launch of the Secretariat in Xi’an marks a new chapter in regional cooperation, promising to strengthen ties and foster prosperity among the six nations.
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Secretariat of China-Central Asia mechanism launched in Xi'an
cgtn.com
