Beijing, China
Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
At the meeting, which was held in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual trust, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues of comprehensive Kazakh-Chinese strategic partnership, including in the political, trade and economic, transit and transport, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The heads of state exchanged views on the international agenda.
Greeting the Chinese leader, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the excellent organization of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics.
“The Olympic Games in Beijing are taking place at a crucial moment for all mankind. They send a powerful signal to renew and overcome the challenges of the pandemic. That is why I have accepted your kind invitation with pleasure,” the Head of State said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanked Xi Jinping for the firm friendly support of his efforts to stabilize the situation in the country, as well as his readiness to provide Kazakhstan with the necessary assistance in the construction of a "New Kazakhstan".
In addition, Kazakhstan President praised China’s success in economic development under Xi Jinping’s strong leadership.
Speaking about the development of Kazakh-Chinese relations over the 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, President Tokayev noted that both countries have jointly built a strong foundation for a truly strategic partnership in all spheres. In his opinion, this cooperation is eternal, comprehensive and beyond the control of political conjuncture.
The leader of Kazakhstan said that today’s talks provide a good opportunity to stress a joint focus on the transition to a qualitatively new stage in the history of bilateral relations.
Stressing readiness for close cooperation to achieve new successes in deepening Kazakh-Chinese relations of friendship, good neighborliness and mutual respect, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev invited Xi Jinping to pay a state visit to Kazakhstan in September this year.
President Tokayev is convinced that the visit of the Chinese President will give a serious impetus to the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is convinced that the visit of the Chinese President will give a serious impetus to the strategic partnership between the two countries.
During the talks, the two leaders paid special emphasis on joint efforts to increase trade and economic ties. The President noted that despite the pandemic, the bilateral trade turnover by the end of 2021 increased by 15.2%, amounting to US$ 18.2 billion. Kazakhstan accounts for half of the total trade between China and the five Central Asian countries.
At the same time, Kazakhstan’s leader called the priority task for the further implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative. The Head of State reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s interest for cooperation in the digital technologies, transport and logistics areas.
At the meeting, President Tokayev and President Xi also touched upon the prospects for strengthening cooperation in the tourism and cultural and humanitarian ties. They also discussed the issue of opening a Chinese cultural center in Kazakhstan.
The Chinese leader thanked President Tokayev for supporting “One China” policy, expressing his intention for further developing a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Xi Jinping stressed that this meeting opens “a new golden 30th anniversary of relations between Kazakhstan and China”.
The Chinese President noted the successful cooperation on the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative over 9 years. He also focused on the prospects of cooperation in agriculture, green energy, artificial intelligence, finance and e-commerce.
President Xi expressed the opinion that under Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s wise and strong leadership, Kazakhstan will build a powerful and prosperous state. He highly appreciated the CICA’s activities and its initiatives to ensure regional security.
In conclusion, Xi Jinping accepted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s invitation to visit Kazakhstan, announcing plans to make a state visit to our country in the coming autumn.
The leader of China also expressed readiness to maintain regular contacts with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.