China and Kyrgyzstan Strengthen Ties with Focus on Trade and Regional Cooperation

Chengdu, The Gulf Observer: China and Kyrgyzstan have pledged to further strengthen their bilateral relations, with an emphasis on expanding cooperation in key areas such as trade, infrastructure, and regional partnerships. The commitment was made during a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Minister Kulubaev Zheenbek Moldokanovich in Chengdu on Saturday.

Minister Wang highlighted the rapid development of China-Kyrgyzstan relations, pointing to a series of successful initiatives that have fueled growing collaboration. Among these projects are the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway, set to launch soon, and the phased operational opening of the Beshkent border port. These projects, Wang noted, have significantly contributed to the momentum of the bilateral relationship.

“We should continue to carry forward the fine tradition of mutual respect and support, deepen strategic trust, and expand our mutually beneficial cooperation to elevate the China-Kyrgyzstan comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights,” Wang said.

As part of the efforts to enhance economic cooperation, Wang expressed China’s eagerness to accelerate the signing of an intergovernmental services trade and investment agreement. This would establish a legal framework to support ongoing collaboration between the two nations. He also underscored the importance of improving infrastructure at key border ports, such as Beshkent, and increasing direct flights to facilitate the movement of people and goods between the countries.

Minister Kulubaev commended the strong alignment of interests between China and Kyrgyzstan, stressing that the two countries share no political differences. He pointed to the successful high-level exchanges that have occurred this year, including a meeting between the heads of state, and expressed confidence in the future of their relationship.

Kulubaev also expressed hopes to establish a high-level strategic dialogue mechanism between the two countries, aiming to further deepen cooperation in trade, investment, customs, and port development.

Both sides agreed to enhance coordination within international frameworks, such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the China-Central Asia mechanism. Kulubaev reaffirmed Kyrgyzstan’s full support for China’s role as the rotating chair of the SCO and reiterated the country’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation in line with the “Shanghai Spirit.”