BISHKEK (TCA) — Kyrgyzstan and China on June 6 agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership. The agreement was reached during the talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov in Beijing, Xinhua news agency reported.
“It is another landmark event in the history of bilateral ties that China and Kyrgyzstan will establish a comprehensive strategic partnership, which will inject new impetus into the development of bilateral ties,” Xi told Jeenbekov.
Noting that Kyrgyzstan was one of the first countries to support and participate in the Belt and Road Initiative and related construction, Xi said that China would like to make joint efforts with Kyrgyzstan to explore potentials to lift bilateral cooperation to a new level.
He called on both sides to enhance synergy in development strategies and policy coordination, seek more converging interests and growth points, jointly plan key areas and major projects, expand trade and investment, and speed up construction of major projects.
Both countries should expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges and local cooperation to boost neighborly friendship, said Xi, who also stressed the importance of improving security cooperation to fight the “three evil forces” of terrorism, extremism and separatism and organized crime across the border.
Xi spoke highly of Kyrgyzstan’s support for China since it has taken the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) last June, saying that China stands ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to promote the SCO so it can develop along a healthy and stable track.
Jeenbekov, who is in China on a state visit and to attend the SCO Qingdao Summit scheduled to be held this weekend, said Kyrgyzstan admires China’s social and economic achievements and appreciates China’s long-term valuable assistance.
Jeenbekov said it has always been Kyrgyzstan’s priority to develop ties with China and Kyrgyzstan has been and will continue to be a most reliable neighbor, partner, and friend of China.
Kyrgyzstan backs the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and believes the initiative will greatly promote common development in the region, said the Kyrgyz president.
After the talks, the two presidents signed a joint statement regarding establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kyrgyzstan and witnessed the signing of a series of cooperative agreements.
