Astana, 3 July 2024 (WAI): During his current official visit to Kazakhstan, Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated the establishment of a unique, permanent, comprehensive strategic relationship between his country and Central Asian nations, as well as their long-standing friendship.
Xi arrived in Kazakhstan earlier today, where he will attend the 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of State Meeting.
At the airport, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hosted a lavish welcome ceremony. The two leaders conversed amicably and amiably over dinner on Tuesday night in a welcoming and comfortable setting. They talked about matters pertaining to their bilateral relations as well as matters of shared concern.
This is Xi’s sixth visit to Kazakhstan and his second in less than two years, after his previous state visit in September 2022. China was one of the first nations to acknowledge Kazakhstan’s independence thirty-two years ago.
Xi highlighted the significance of jointly constructing the Silk Road Economic Belt in Kazakhstan. He said that the Belt and Road collaboration between China and Kazakhstan has already produced positive outcomes.
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People-to-people and cultural exchanges have produced many highlights. Two-way economic and trade cooperation has reached new heights, and the two sides’ international cooperation has been close and effective. According to Xi, these developments have improved the well-being of the two peoples. Furthermore, added more stability and positive energy to the global and regional situation.
In 2023, China emerged as Kazakhstan’s most significant commercial partner. Additionally, two-way commerce increased by 32% annually to reach 41 billion US dollars. China has provided Kazakhstan with consumer goods, electronics, machinery, and agricultural items. Kazakhstan’s main exports to China include crude oil, metals, and agricultural products.
Many significant agreements have been signed in only the last year, such as the building of cultural centers, the construction of a third railway checkpoint, the introduction of a reciprocal visa-free policy, and the designation of 2024 as the “Kazakhstan Tourism Year” in China. The leaders of both nations have inaugurated a new “golden 30 years” of bilateral cooperation.
Atika Hassan is pursuing her MPhil in International Relations from University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. She loves to explore the fascinating world of international and domestic politics and can be reached out at atikahassan241@yahoo.com
