China, Central Asian Countries Launch Secretariat to Strengthen Cooperation

Xi’an, The Gulf Observer: In a significant diplomatic move, China and five Central Asian nations – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – convened in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, for the inauguration of the secretariat of the China-Central Asian cooperation mechanism. The ceremony, held on Saturday, marked a pivotal moment in regional collaboration.

Esteemed dignitaries including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev, Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov, conveyed their congratulatory messages, underscoring the significance of this milestone.

Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, lauded the fruitful cooperation between China and the Central Asian nations since the initiation of the China-Central Asia mechanism four years ago. He emphasized that the establishment of the secretariat symbolizes the concrete realization of the consensus reached by the heads of state, showcasing the unwavering commitment of the six nations to collaborative development and cooperation on the international stage.

With collective support, Minister Wang expressed confidence that the secretariat would function smoothly, enhancing the efficacy of the China-Central Asia mechanism and yielding tangible benefits for the citizens of the involved countries.

Echoing Minister Wang’s sentiments, the foreign ministers of the five Central Asian countries expressed optimism regarding the secretariat’s role, pledging full support for its endeavors. They anticipated that its establishment would invigorate cooperation between Central Asian nations and China, fostering renewed momentum in bilateral relations.

Sun Weidong, China’s vice foreign minister, outlined the secretariat’s primary responsibilities, emphasizing its pivotal role in facilitating the implementation of agreements and outcomes from high-level summits. He stressed the importance of the secretariat serving as a conduit for key meetings and initiatives, further reinforcing the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism.

In assuming the mantle of executive director of the secretariat, Wu Yingqin affirmed its commitment to proactively advancing regulations, executing summit outcomes, and catalyzing cooperation in vital sectors. Wu underscored the secretariat’s dedication to being a proactive facilitator in driving forward the agenda of China-Central Asia cooperation.

The establishment of the secretariat heralds a new chapter in the collaborative efforts between China and Central Asia, promising enhanced synergy and tangible advancements across various domains of mutual interest.