Kyrgyzstan's Prime Minister and Acting President Sadyr Zhaparov said on Friday that the country prioritizes developing friendly cooperation with China in its foreign policy agenda during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Du Dewen.

Discussing the development of the two countries' bilateral relations, Zhaparov stressed that China and Kyrgyzstan are friendly neighbors and comprehensive strategic partners while appreciating China's assistance to the country, especially in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Du, on behalf of the Chinese government, congratulated Zhaparov for becoming new prime minister.

The new prime minister was approved by the Kyrgyz parliament earlier this month and later declared himself as the acting president soon after President Sooronbai Jeenbekov resigned.

Read More: Kyrgyzstan's parliament names Sadyr Zhaparov prime minister

The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Kyrgyzstan decided last week that early presidential elections will be held on January 10, 2021.

The ambassador said that China hopes Kyrgyzstan can maintain stability and realize its social and economic development. 

Du said since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have been supporting each other regarding issues of core interests to both sides. And the joint anti-pandemic efforts of the two countries since the beginning of this year have solidified the bilateral relations.

The Chinese ambassador also discussed with the Kyrgyz acting president a range of topics including port transportation, legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and enterprises in Kyrgyzstan and other practical cooperation areas.

Zhaparov said that the country would spare no effort in protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and enterprises in Kyrgyzstan.