Xi and Tokayev Strengthen China-Kazakhstan Ties in Bilateral Talks

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Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his commitment to working with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to build a more substantive and dynamic China-Kazakhstan community with a shared future. This commitment aims to inject positive energy into the development and stability of the region and beyond. The meeting between the two leaders took place at the presidential palace in Astana on Wednesday.

President Xi’s state visit to Kazakhstan is anticipated to mark a new milestone in the development of bilateral relations, which are now reaching new heights through head-of-state diplomacy and frequent, cordial high-level exchanges. Xi’s visit coincides with his attendance at the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Xi emphasized that China’s determination to maintain and grow its bilateral relationship with Kazakhstan remains steadfast, regardless of changes in the international situation. He reiterated that China will always be a reliable neighbor and partner for Kazakhstan.

Kazakh President Tokayev highlighted the historic significance of Xi’s visit, praising China as a friendly neighbor, close friend, and strategic partner. Following their talks, both leaders signed a joint statement and witnessed the exchange of numerous bilateral cooperation documents in various fields, including economy, trade, connectivity, aviation, aerospace, education, and media.

Collaboration in Aerospace and Outer Space

A key highlight of the meeting was the agreement to explore the commercial use of each other’s space launch sites and to enhance cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space. This cooperation includes joint efforts in lunar and deep space exploration and the exchange of remote sensing data.

These agreements underscore the robust and pragmatic cooperation between the world’s second-largest economy and the largest economy in Central Asia, a critical node in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The outcomes of this collaboration are expected to invigorate the development of Central Asian countries, contributing significantly to regional stability and security.

During his visit, Xi also met with leaders from other SCO member states and dialogue partners, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. These meetings focused on mutual concerns and the development of the SCO, highlighting the importance of multilateralism and cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions.

In a symbolic move to enhance educational exchanges, China’s Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) is establishing a new branch in Astana. This initiative is particularly significant as President Tokayev studied Chinese at BLCU from 1983 to 1984. The new branch aims to promote mutual understanding and exchanges, with plans to develop into a high-level university serving the entire Central Asian region.

Xi and Tokayev also attended the opening ceremony of the Trans-Caspian International Transportation Route (TITR) via video link. This infrastructure project aligns with China’s development strategy and that of Kazakhstan and Central Asia, facilitating regional integration into the global supply chain.

China’s cooperation with Central Asia under the BRI has been highly pragmatic, yielding substantial achievements and setting a global benchmark. This cooperation is expected to transform the landlocked region into a vital corridor between East and West, promoting regional development and stability.

Through various frameworks such as the United Nations, the SCO, and the China-Central Asia mechanism, China and Kazakhstan are contributing to a fairer and more equitable global governance system. The collaboration between these countries highlights their shared commitment to addressing global and regional challenges.

Since proposing the idea of building an “economic belt along the Silk Road” in Kazakhstan in 2013, Xi has made multiple visits to the country to boost bilateral ties. The latest visit reinforces the long-standing friendship and cooperation between China and Kazakhstan, focusing on mutual benefits and shared development goals.

The face-to-face meetings between Xi and Tokayev, along with the broader engagement with other SCO leaders, have set the stage for significant developments in bilateral and regional cooperation. These discussions are crucial for addressing pressing global and regional challenges, fostering mutual trust, and strengthening regional integration. As the SCO summit progresses, the commitment to the “Shanghai Spirit” and the principles of multilateralism will continue to guide the organization’s efforts in building a community with a shared future. The outcomes of these high-level engagements are expected to bring stability, development, and positive energy to the region and beyond.