President Xi Jinping hails uniqueness of China-Kazakhstan partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that China and Kazakhstan have established a unique, permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi made the remarks in a written statement upon his arrival in Astana for a state visit to Kazakhstan, where he will also attend the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Over the past 32 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Kazakhstan have seen their relations withstand the test of the changes of times and international landscapes, forging a unique permanent comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said in the statement.

He recalled the long history of the friendship between China and Kazakhstan.

Over 2,000 years ago, the ancient Silk Road connected the two countries closely, starting the history of friendship and exchanges between China and Kazakhstan, Xi said.

The friendship has lasted for generations and sets a good example of two neighbors standing in solidarity, seeking mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, and helping each other succeed, he added.

The Chinese president first proposed building a Silk Road Economic Belt in September 2013 in Kazakhstan. Together with his proposal of a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in October of that year, it would become known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The Belt and Road cooperation between China and Kazakhstan has been fruitful, Xi said in the statement.

The two countries have seen record economic and trade cooperation, diverse cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and close and effective collaboration at the international level, he said.

This has not only enhanced the well-being of the two peoples but also brought about more certainty and positivity to the world and the region, Xi added.

During the visit, Xi said he will hold talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, have an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations, all-round cooperation, and other international and regional issues of common interest, and draw up a new blueprint for the development of the China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi added that he is also looking forward to attending the SCO summit in Astana and discussing the organization's future and ways to advance cooperation to promote greater development of the important multilateral mechanism with all parties.

In his statement, Xi also conveyed sincere greetings and best wishes to Tokayev and the friendly Kazakh people on behalf of the Chinese government and people.

The Chinese president was greeted by Tokayev, who held a grand welcome ceremony at the airport. A group of Kazakh children sang the song "Ode to the Motherland" in Chinese to welcome him.

Three Kazakh Air Force fighter jets took off to escort Xi's plane after it entered the country's airspace.

On Tuesday evening, Xi and Tokayev had a cordial and friendly exchange over dinner in a pleasant and warm atmosphere, discussing issues related to China-Kazakhstan relations and issues of common concerns.

(With input from Xinhua)