Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who is in Beijing to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Xi called on the two sides to strengthen cooperation, promote Belt and Road cooperation to achieve more results, and deliver more benefits to the peoples of the two countries.

Xi expressed his happiness at meeting his old friend again. A sound, stable and vibrant China-Kazakhstan relationship is conducive to the development and revitalization of both countries as well as to regional peace and stability, Xi said.

No matter how the international situation changes, China and Kazakhstan should pass on the concept of good neighborliness and friendship from generation to generation and promote further development of the China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said.

China is willing to continuously facilitate trade and investment with Kazakhstan, expand imports of high-quality and green agricultural products from Kazakhstan and promote exchanges in digital technology, including cross-border e-commerce, artificial intelligence, big data and blockchain, he said.

China firmly opposes external forces interfering in the internal affairs of Central Asian countries and supports Kazakhstan in performing its duties as the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Xi said.

For his part, Tokayev said that from day one, Kazakhstan has firmly supported and actively participated in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Over the past decade, China has become a leading country in the world, and the Belt and Road cooperation has yielded remarkable achievements, Tokayev said.

Noting that China is Kazakhstan's forever trustworthy friend and partner, Tokayev said Kazakhstan speaks highly of China's just position and positive role in international affairs, including its efforts to promote the settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and is willing to strengthen multilateral communication and coordination with China.

The two heads of state witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral documents on cooperation in areas including connectivity and economic development.

(With input from Xinhua) 

(Cover: Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Beijing, China, October 17, 2023. /Xinhua)