google-site-verification=jrFRO6oYNLK1iKh3HkH_yKgws4mFcOFcPvOCyqbqAnk
Pakistan's Premier Multilingual News Agency

China-Central Asia Summit: Xian Declaration

Xian, 23 May, 2023 (GNP): From 18-19 May leaders of China and Central Asian countries met in Xian city in China, and signed Xian Declaration of China-Central Asia Summit.

The leaders included President Xi Jinping, President Kazakhstan K.K.Tokaev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic S.N. Japarov, President Tajikistan E. Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan S.G. Berdimuhamedov and President of Uzbekistan Sh.M. Mirziyoyev.

The result of friendly exchanges between the parties, mutual understanding on various issues and guidelines for future were summed up in the declaration, which stated the following:

  • The Parties announced the official establishment of a mechanism for meetings between the heads of state of Central Asia and China. This mechanism entails hosting a biennial summit, alternating between China and one of the Central Asian states in alphabetical order. The Parties also expressed their commitment to fully implement the leadership role of state diplomacy and enhance comprehensive planning at the highest level to foster the development of relations between Central Asia and China.

  • The parties agreed that fostering comprehensive cooperation between Central Asian states and China aligns with the core interests of all countries and their populations. Given the remarkable changes taking place, the parties, recognizing the promising future for the region’s people, expressed their shared commitment to establishing a closer-knit community and shared destiny between Central Asia and China.
  • The Parties reiterate their commitment to supporting each other’s fundamental interests through mutual understanding. China strongly backs the development path of the Central Asian states and their endeavors to safeguard national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, as well as their autonomous foreign and domestic policies.China extends its support to the dynamic processes of regional cooperation in Central Asia and acknowledges the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia as a vital factor in ensuring regional security, stability, and sustainable development. China recognizes the significant contribution of the Central Asian states to peace and development within the region and globally.

    The Central Asian states highly value the unique governance experience of the Communist Party of China and acknowledge the immense importance of China’s modernization journey for global development. Both sides reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the One China principle.

  • The parties unanimously agree on the crucial significance of safeguarding state security, political stability, and constitutional order. They firmly oppose any attempts to undermine legitimate state authority, instigate “color revolutions,” or interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, under any pretext or in any form.The parties highlight that democracy is a shared aspiration and universal value of humanity. The independent selection of a development path and governance model is a matter of each country’s sovereignty and should be free from external intervention.
  • The Parties highly value the significance of the “One Belt, One Road” joint construction initiative in fostering international cooperation. Commemorating the Initiative’s 10th anniversary as a fresh starting point, the Parties express their readiness to enhance its coordination and alignment with the initiatives and national development strategies of the Central Asian states.These strategies include the Republic of Kazakhstan’s “Nurly Zhol” New Economic Policy, the Kyrgyz Republic’s National Development Program until 2026, the Republic of Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy until 2030, Turkmenistan’s “Revival of the Great Silk Road,” and the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026. The Parties aim to strengthen practical cooperation across various fields, aiming to shape a new framework of cooperation characterized by a high level of complementarity and mutual benefit.
  • The parties acknowledge the significant trade and economic cooperation potential between Central Asian states and China. They expressed their willingness to leverage the role of the Conference of Ministers of Economy and Trade “Central Asia-China” in order to enhance trade volumes comprehensively. They aim to tap into the potential of the “Dialogue and cooperation in the field of electronic commerce” mechanism and intensify collaboration in emerging industries, including digital trade and the green economy.Emphasizing the importance of a joint Strategy for the New Economic Dialogue “Central Asia-China,” the parties envision adopting targeted measures to facilitate unimpeded trade and increase the export of finished products from Central Asian countries to China. They also aim to establish a common space for industrial cooperation.

    To promote trade and economic cooperation between Central Asian states and China, the parties announced the establishment of the Central Asia-China Business Council. They expressed their readiness to support trade promotion institutions, chambers of commerce, and interested organizations in strengthening collaboration in trade and investment.

    Regularly organizing the Forum of Industrial and Investment Cooperation “Central Asia-China” is part of the parties’ plans, along with updating agreements on investment cooperation between Central Asian states and China. They encouraged the expansion of industrial cooperation, ensuring stable and efficient production and supply chains, and fostering shared value chains. The parties also seek to enhance the stability, fairness, transparency, and sustainability of their foreign investment policies and create a more attractive and business-friendly investment climate under market conditions.

  • The parties reached an agreement to gradually increase the number of flights and explore options for facilitating business travel between Central Asia and China. This includes considering the introduction of a business travel card known as “Central Asia-China” and undertaking measures to enhance infrastructure modernization at border points. They also intend to study the feasibility of opening new checkpoints and expand the practice of “express corridors” for streamlined customs clearance of agricultural and food products at all border crossings. Enhancing connectivity of “single windows” in international trade, improving the business environment at checkpoints, promoting cooperation on customs clearance facilitation, and actively developing the logistics network in the region are among the shared objectives.
  • The Parties are committed to harnessing the potential of agricultural cooperation, including the promotion of trade in crop and livestock products. China is prepared to broaden the scope of agricultural imports from Central Asian countries into its market.Both sides will enhance their endeavors in advancing smart agriculture and sharing experiences in implementing water-saving, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient technologies and best practices in this field.
  • The Parties endorse the establishment of “Central Asia – China” partnerships in energy development, aiming to enhance collaboration across the entire production chain. They also seek to broaden cooperation in traditional energy sources such as oil, natural gas, and coal, while strengthening partnerships in hydropower, solar energy, wind energy, and other renewables. Furthermore, they aim to deepen cooperation in the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy and implement projects that utilize green technologies and clean energy sources, aligning with the principles of innovative, coordinated, green, open, and inclusive development.
  • The Parties affirm their commitment to enhancing cultural and humanitarian cooperation across various domains, including education, science, culture, tourism, archaeology, archives, physical culture, sports, media, and think tanks. They aim to foster interaction, establish twinning and partnerships between provinces and regions, expand youth exchanges through innovative activities, and collaborate on joint archaeological expeditions, cultural heritage preservation, museum exchanges, and the search for and return of lost and stolen cultural property.China extends an invitation to the Central Asian states to participate in the Cultural Silk Road project, with the goal of fostering closer bonds among people.

    Both parties recognize the significance of further collaboration in the tourism sector and the development of a joint tourist route known as “Central Asia – China.”

  • The parties restated their commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, which serve as crucial platforms and legal frameworks for global collaboration in addressing climate change. They emphasized the importance of adhering to the goals, principles, and institutional framework outlined in these agreements, particularly the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. The parties called for the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, with the aim of establishing an equitable, rational, cooperative, and mutually beneficial global climate management system.Furthermore, the parties emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation in climate resilience and adaptation. They highlighted the significance of utilizing “green” solutions as effective measures to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.
  • The parties recognize that the stability, development, and prosperity of Central Asia serve the common interests of not only the six countries involved but the entire world.They strongly condemn terrorism, separatism, and extremism in all their forms, and express their commitment to collectively combat these threats, along with drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, and cybercrime. The parties are determined to share experiences in ensuring the security of key projects and mass events, as well as maintaining the safety and stability of strategic joint initiatives, while actively addressing security challenges.

    The parties acknowledge the significance of the High-Level International Conference on Border Security and Control to Combat Terrorism and Prevent the Movement of Terrorists, held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on October 18-19, 2022.

    They reaffirm the importance of inclusive dialogue in fostering interstate relations and emphasize the value of Turkmenistan’s initiative to declare 2023 as the “International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace.” This initiative aims to mobilize the global community for activities that strengthen peace and build confidence.

    The parties welcome the Samarkand Solidarity Initiative for Common Security and Prosperity, which promotes peace, stability, broad international cooperation, and sustainable development for the betterment of humanity.

    They are prepared to continue supporting the Afghan people, together with the international community, in maintaining peace, stability, and rebuilding social infrastructure. The parties emphasize the importance of inclusive governance in Afghanistan, ensuring representation of all ethnic and political groups in Afghan society.

    The parties acknowledge the initiative to establish an International Negotiating Group under the auspices of the United Nations.

    They advocate and support the vision of Afghanistan as a peaceful, stable, and prosperous nation, free from terrorism, conflicts, and illicit drugs.

    Recognizing the need for collaborative efforts in combating illicit drug trafficking, the parties consider the possibility of developing a Joint Anti-Drug Action Plan with the participation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

google-site-verification=jrFRO6oYNLK1iKh3HkH_yKgws4mFcOFcPvOCyqbqAnk