In a significant move to bolster their bilateral ties, China’s top legislator Zhao Leji met with Yerlan Koshanov, the speaker of the Mazhilis, Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament, in Beijing on Thursday. The discussions underscored a mutual commitment to advancing the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations, heralding what Zhao referred to as the beginning of the next “golden 30 years.”
Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), emphasized China’s readiness to collaborate closely with Kazakhstan on issues concerning each other’s core interests. He highlighted the importance of deepening practical cooperation and promoting high-quality collaboration within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
“China is prepared to work with Kazakhstan to facilitate trade, enhance connectivity, and support each other on matters central to our respective national interests,” Zhao stated. He called for strengthened cooperation across various sectors including tourism, education, sports, and at sub-national levels, aiming to foster closer people-to-people ties.
The fight against the “three forces” of separatism, extremism, and terrorism was also a key topic. Zhao urged both countries to continue their partnership in combating these threats, as well as addressing transnational organized crime, to ensure regional stability and security.
Furthermore, Zhao advocated for the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding true multilateralism in the international arena.
On legislative cooperation, Zhao expressed the NPC’s willingness to work with the Kazakh parliament to implement the consensus reached by their respective heads of state. “We aim to approve and revise relevant legal documents to provide robust legal support for our cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and in other fields,” he added.
Yerlan Koshanov affirmed Kazakhstan’s support for China’s core interests and major concerns. He expressed appreciation for China’s proposed global initiatives and conveyed Kazakhstan’s eagerness to deepen cooperation related to the Belt and Road Initiative. “Our parliament looks forward to strengthening exchanges on legislative experience with China’s NPC,” Koshanov said, highlighting the importance of legislative collaboration in enhancing bilateral relations.
The meeting between Zhao and Koshanov marks a significant step in intensifying the strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan, with both nations poised to expand their cooperation across multiple domains for mutual benefit.
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China's top legislator meets Kazakh parliament's lower house speaker
cgtn.com
