Article by Tiffany Holman

In a bid to strengthen diplomatic relations and mutual cooperation, President Xi Jinping held successive talks with the presidents of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan during the China-Central Asia Summit in Xi’an which commenced on Friday (May 19).

These bilateral talks underscored China’s sustained efforts to foster deeper relations with its Central Asian neighbours.

WATCH:

Just yesterday, President Xi warmly welcomed President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan on his state visit to China. The occasion also marked President Tokayev’s 70th birthday, adding a personal
note to the already significant event.

The Chinese president stressed that the summit underlined the depth of China-Kazakhstan relations and their shared future.

“We will jointly foster a new paradigm of deeply complementary and high-level win-win cooperation.”

Highlighting the commencement of the ‘next three golden decades’ of China-Kazakhstan relations, President Xi encouraged the further enhancement of traditional friendships and deepened mutual
cooperation between the two nations.

Both countries should “pursue development and rejuvenation, and build a China-Kazakhstan community with a shared future featuring everlasting friendship, strong mutual trust, and solidarity”, President Xi emphasised.

The following day, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan. With a relationship that has matured from good-neighbourliness to a strategic partnership, and now to a
comprehensive strategic partnership, China’s bond with Tajikistan is deep-rooted.

The Chinese leader fondly recalled his state visit to Tajikistan in 2019, which resulted in the construction of a China-Tajikistan community of common development and security.

Echoing similar sentiments from his conversation with President Tokayev, President Xi stated his desire to bolster cooperation and build a China-Tajikistan community with a shared future. This would be “featuring everlasting friendship, solidarity, and mutual benefit”, contributing to the well-being of the people of both countries.

President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan was also welcomed in Xi’an on May 18 for the summit and state visit. Recollecting the fruitful discussions from their meetings last year, President Xi lauded President
Zhaparov’s efforts in enhancing the economy, improving the well-being of Kyrgyz people, and promoting political reconciliation.

Looking back on the robust 31-year journey of the China-Kyrgyzstan relationship, President Xi stressed China’s readiness to work alongside Kyrgyzstan towards a future of shared prosperity. This mutual development would contribute significantly to both countries’ vitality and progress.

These diplomatic discussions signify China’s commitment to enriching its relationships with Central Asian countries. They demonstrate an emphasis on shared futures, underpinned by mutual respect,
cooperation, and a dedication to the prosperity and well-being of their people.