Translated with AI
On the sidelines of the 2nd China-Central Asia Summit, which was held in Astana, Chinese President Xi Jinping held meetings with the heads of the Central Asian republics.
During a meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Chinese President called geographical proximity and long-standing friendship the key to the development of Chinese-Kazakh relations and expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation and make a greater contribution to global peace and development together with the Kazakh President. Xi Jinping called for deepening strategic mutual trust, promoting the alignment of development strategies, and supporting each other in protecting key interests. He noted the importance of strengthening cooperation within the Belt and Road, including such areas as trade, investment, energy, cross-border railways, high technology and green development. Xi Jinping also drew attention to the importance of humanitarian cooperation, in particular, holding the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan. Speaking about the global agenda, the Chinese President called on the parties to support the international system, with the UN at its core, genuinely protecting multilateralism and the interests of developing countries. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that Kazakhstan is ready to strengthen strategic cooperation with China. Following the talks, the two leaders attended a ceremony to exchange cooperation documents, including in areas such as trade, investment, science and technology, tourism and media.
During a meeting with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Xi Jinping called on the two countries to support each other in protecting their key interests. He noted the importance of high-quality construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. He also stressed that the countries should strengthen cooperation in emerging sectors and promote the cultivation of new growth drivers in clean energy and artificial intelligence. Xi Jinping stressed the importance of jointly opposing unilateralism and protecting the global economic and trade order. Sadyr Japarov said: Kyrgyzstan highly values relations with China and the bilateral strategic partnership. He stressed that Bishkek supports China's position on issues related to its key interests and the one-China principle.
At the meeting of the Chairman with the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, the Chinese leader stated that China has always supported Tajikistan in protecting its state independence, sovereignty and security. He called on the two countries to develop cooperation in bilateral trade, investment and the implementation of infrastructure projects. In addition, he noted the importance of fully realizing the potential of such platforms as Confucius Institutes, Lu Ban workshops and traditional Chinese medicine centers. Xi Jinping also wished Tajikistan a successful Chinese Culture Day in the fall. Emomali Rahmon expressed readiness to expand bilateral ties. He noted that Tajikistan is interested in strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure construction and such sectors as clean energy and artificial intelligence. He also called for increasing exchanges in the cultural, humanitarian and law enforcement spheres.
China is ready to work with Turkmenistan to fully unleash the potential of bilateral cooperation based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. This was stated by Chinese President Xi Jinping at a meeting with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. He noted that the parties should facilitate the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with Turkmenistan's strategy of "Revival of the Great Silk Road", strengthen cooperation in the energy and non-resource sectors, and optimize the trade structure. Xi Jinping also expressed support for Turkmenistan's efforts to join the WTO. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that relations between Turkmenistan and China are extremely important from a strategic point of view. He stressed that Ashgabat is ready to expand cooperation with Beijing, including in such areas as manufacturing, textile industry, education, culture, as well as in the field of human rights and security.
China is the most important investment and trade partner of Uzbekistan. This was discussed at the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In January 2024, the two countries raised ties to the level of an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era. Last year, more than a thousand Chinese companies were registered in Uzbekistan – large joint investment projects are being implemented in the fields of high technology, energy, chemical industry, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and infrastructure modernization. Cultural cooperation is also a priority in bilateral relations. In 2024, China held the "Day of Culture of Uzbekistan". In December last year, the countries signed an agreement on mutual visa-free entry and launched the "Year of Tourism of Uzbekistan" campaign in China. (Photo: VCG)
