Astana, Kazakhstan—Chinese President Xi Jinping announced China’s support for Kazakhstan joining BRICS during a press conference with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Wednesday. The leaders met in Astana to discuss deepening bilateral ties and enhancing regional cooperation.
“China supports Kazakhstan in joining BRICS, playing the role of a middle power on the international stage and making its due contribution to global governance,” Xi stated. The two presidents agreed on setting a new goal of doubling two-way trade at an early date.
Bilateral trade between China and Kazakhstan reached \$41 billion in 2023, a 32 percent increase from the previous year. Key exports from Kazakhstan to China include crude oil, metals, and agricultural products, while China supplies Kazakhstan with machinery, electronics, and consumer goods.
The two countries plan to deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as economy, trade, investment, production capacity, interconnectivity, and energy. They also aim to foster new growth in critical minerals, new energy, technological innovation, aerospace, and the digital economy.
“China and Kazakhstan are companions on the path to modernization,” Xi remarked. “We will continue to carry forward the fine tradition of mutual support, deepen political mutual trust, and promote the synergy of development strategies.”
The leaders agreed to jointly implement China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. They pledged to work closely within international frameworks, including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the China-Central Asia mechanism.
Looking ahead, China will hold the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan in 2025 and establish a second Luban Workshop—a vocational training institute—in the country. The two sides will expand cooperation in media, think tanks, film and television, and encourage more partnerships between their provinces and cities.
President Tokayev hailed Xi’s visit as “of special historic significance” and a new starting point for the higher-level development of Kazakhstan-China relations. “China is a friendly neighbor and a permanent comprehensive strategic partner of Kazakhstan,” Tokayev said. “Our bilateral relations have always been based on mutual respect and trust, and there are no unresolved issues between our countries.”
He added that Kazakhstan looks forward to working with China to achieve more in a new “golden 30 years” of bilateral relations. Both nations share similar positions on many international and regional issues and uphold the concept of peaceful diplomacy.
President Xi is on a state visit to Kazakhstan and will attend the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO in Astana.
