Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart
Tokayev and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Beijing. The parties
noted the progressive nature of the relations between Kazakhstan and China, with
effective interstate cooperation built in all areas. Bilateral trade is flourishing,
and investments are on the rise. The countries are currently implementing over
50 joint projects with an investment volume of more than $20 billion. The leaders
also discussed prospects for cooperation in the oil and gas sector, petrochemicals,
energy, finance, transport and transit, as well as the nuclear industry,
mechanical engineering, e-commerce and high-tech.
“The year 2024 has been declared
the Year of Kazakhstan’s Tourism in China, which will open up great prospects
for this sphere. Favorable conditions are being created for mutual cultural and
humanitarian exchange. I believe that Kazakhstan and China have enormous
potential for bringing interstate relations to a qualitatively new level. I
would like to take this opportunity to invite you, dear Mr. President Xi
Jinping, to pay a state visit to Kazakhstan next year,” Tokayev said.
President Tokayev warmly
acknowledged the invitation extended by the Chinese leader to take part in the
third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Tokayev emphasized
that Kazakhstan is actively participating in promoting the global initiative.
In turn, Xi Jinping expressed his gratitude to him for accepting the invitation
and noted the importance of strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation. He highlighted
that China fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of
Kazakhstan, as well as the ongoing large-scale reforms.
“A healthy, stable, and dynamic
relationship between Kazakhstan and China can enhance trust between the two
countries and strongly promote the maintenance of peace and stability. Kazakhstan
and China remain committed to their initial ideals and stand by each other despite
shifts in the international landscape. Our two countries have managed to build
an everlasting comprehensive strategic partnership over the years of friendship.
I first launched the Belt and Road Initiative in Kazakhstan ten years ago,” Xi
Jinping noted.
Kazakhstan and China signed a
number of agreements and memoranda, including one on the development of the
Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, particularly, for container trains
with China-Europe connectivity.
