Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Astana, Kazakhstan, for a state visit aimed at strengthening the longstanding ties between China and Kazakhstan. In a signed article published in the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper and Kazinform International News Agency, President Xi highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation and opening a new chapter in bilateral relations.
“China and Kazakhstan have always supported each other and have always been partners in times of challenge,” President Xi wrote. He emphasized the deep mutual political trust and the evolution of the relationship from a comprehensive strategic partnership to a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership. He expressed confidence in further consolidating political support and working together to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity.
President Xi recalled the historical connections between the two nations, dating back over 2,000 years to the opening of the ancient Silk Road. He noted that eleven years ago, during a visit to Kazakhstan, he first proposed the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative, which marked the beginning of significant Belt and Road cooperation between China and Kazakhstan.
On economic cooperation, President Xi highlighted the record-high bilateral trade of $41 billion last year. He pointed out that China is Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner and top export destination. Major strategic projects, including energy pipelines and infrastructure developments like the China-Europe Railway Express, have been successfully implemented, boosting both economies.
Looking ahead, President Xi outlined four key areas for enhancing cooperation:
- Consolidating Mutual Political Support: Strengthening strategic communication and firmly supporting each other’s core interests.
- Pursuing Mutual Benefit and Win-Win Cooperation: Promoting synergy between the Belt and Road cooperation and Kazakhstan’s economic policies, expanding trade, and exploring new areas like new energy and digital economy.
- Strengthening People-to-People Exchanges: Enhancing cultural ties, educational cooperation, and facilitating more exchanges between the peoples of both countries.
- Coordinating on International Challenges: Working together within multilateral organizations to address global changes and promote peace and stability.
President Xi also mentioned his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Astana, commending Kazakhstan’s role as the chair of the SCO and expressing optimism for the summit’s success.
“China will work shoulder to shoulder with Kazakhstan on the path to national prosperity and rejuvenation,” President Xi concluded, calling for a new blueprint for closer cooperation and a new chapter in China-Kazakhstan friendly relations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com