By Mewati Sitaram
Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a grand welcome ceremony hosted by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, as part of his state visit to Kazakhstan. This visit coincides with the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The ceremony was a spectacular display of hospitality, with Kazakh fighter jets painting the sky in red and yellow, the colors of the Chinese national flag, as they flew over the presidential palace. This symbolic gesture underscored the warm relations between the two nations.
During the event, President Xi expressed his eagerness to work with President Tokayev to build a more dynamic and substantive China-Kazakhstan community with a shared future. He emphasized the importance of injecting positive energy into the development and stability of the region and beyond.
In their private meeting, President Xi highlighted the “golden 30 years” of China-Kazakhstan relations, marked by rapid development and mutual benefit. He reiterated China’s strategic and long-term commitment to Kazakhstan, emphasizing that China’s dedication to bilateral relations remains unwavering, irrespective of international changes or incidents.
Xi pointed out the extensive cooperation in traditional energy sectors such as natural gas and the expansion into new energy sectors, including photovoltaic and wind power. He encouraged Chinese enterprises to invest in Kazakhstan, helping the country convert its resource advantages into sustainable development capabilities.
President Tokayev hailed Xi’s visit as historically significant for Kazakhstan-China relations, describing China as a friendly neighbor, close friend, and vital strategic partner. He acknowledged the unprecedented momentum in bilateral ties, marked by major achievements in trade, energy, agriculture, and minerals, benefiting both nations and setting an exemplary model for state-to-state relations.
Tokayev pledged Kazakhstan’s readiness to collaborate further in energy, minerals, new energy, and connectivity, aiming to elevate bilateral relations. He expressed gratitude for China’s support of Kazakhstan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, affirming Kazakhstan’s commitment to the one-China principle and the fight against the “three forces” of terrorism, extremism, and separatism.
In broader talks, President Xi reflected on the historical ties rooted in the ancient Silk Road and the 32 years of diplomatic relations, now elevated to a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership. He assured that China remains committed to advancing cooperation, supporting each other’s core interests, and realizing development goals.
Xi emphasized the need to align development strategies and governance experiences, implementing mutually beneficial projects to boost national development. He announced plans to double bilateral trade, expand imports of high-quality Kazakh goods, and create new growth drivers in e-commerce and digital economy.
China will also support the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, building a multi-dimensional connectivity paradigm. Xi endorsed the establishment of cultural centers and a second Luban Workshop in Kazakhstan, aiming to enhance cultural exchanges and mutual understanding, particularly among the youth.
Xi also noted China’s upcoming presidency of the SCO and expressed readiness to build a closer SCO community with a shared future, in cooperation with member states including Kazakhstan. He supported Kazakhstan’s hosting of the second China-Central Asia Summit and pledged close coordination within multilateral frameworks like the United Nations.
President Tokayev praised China’s diplomatic principles of peace and global initiatives, highlighting the importance of building a community with a shared future for mankind. He reiterated Kazakhstan’s strategic priority to deepen friendly and strategic cooperation with China, aiming to achieve the goals set during Xi’s visit, including high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and doubling bilateral trade.
Following the talks, the leaders signed a joint statement and witnessed the exchange of numerous bilateral cooperation documents in fields such as economy, trade, connectivity, aviation, aerospace, education, and media. This visit and the agreements reached underscore the deepening partnership and shared aspirations for future growth and stability between China and Kazakhstan.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
