Beijing, 2 July 2024, (GNP): Chinese President Xi Jinping has departed from Beijing to attend the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, scheduled from July 2 to 6.
During this period, President Xi will also undertake state visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, following invitations from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan.
Strengthening China-Central Asia Relations
Deepening Cooperation
President Xi’s trip is expected to enhance China’s cooperation with these countries, fostering a closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future. This visit underscores China’s commitment to maintaining regional peace, stability, and economic integration.
SCO Summit in Astana
During the summit in Astana, President Xi will engage with his SCO counterparts to discuss development blueprints and build consensus on cooperation. These discussions are poised to add new impetus to maintaining peace and prosperity across the Eurasian continent.
Expanding Partnership with Kazakhstan
High-Level Bilateral Relations
China and Kazakhstan share a robust relationship characterized by mutual trust and cooperation. With a shared border of roughly 1,700 km and a history of friendly exchanges, President Xi’s visit is anticipated to open new prospects for bilateral cooperation.
Economic and Cultural Exchanges
China was Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner in 2023, with two-way trade reaching 41 billion U.S. dollars. The countries have built a comprehensive connectivity network facilitating cross-border transport and trade. Cultural exchanges, such as the Luban Workshop vocational program, further strengthen their ties.
Advancing Collaboration with Tajikistan
Enduring Friendship
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties over 30 years ago, China and Tajikistan have achieved leapfrog development in their relationship. Frequent interactions between President Xi and President Rahmon have forged a profound friendship and facilitated bilateral growth.
Belt and Road Success
Tajikistan has been a strong supporter of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with successful projects such as the China-Tajikistan highway. The two countries are also exploring cooperation in green technology, digital economy, and artificial intelligence to boost high-quality development.
Promoting Regional Stability
Economic Integration
President Xi’s state visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are expected to consolidate ties and elevate China-Central Asia relations to new heights, promoting regional stability and economic integration.
Strategic Projects
In early June, President Xi, along with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, applauded via video link the signing of an intergovernmental agreement on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project. This strategic project demonstrates the commitment to common development through cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Shanghai Spirit
The SCO was created 23 years ago with the “Shanghai Spirit” as its founding values, which champion mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations, and pursuit of common development. This spirit continues to guide the cooperation and solidarity among SCO member states
