Xi Jinping says China supports Kazakhstan in joining BRICS

China supports Kazakhstan in joining BRICS, playing the role of a middle power on the international stage and making its due contribution to global governance, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday in Astana.

Xi made the remarks at a press conference with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev following their talks. The talks with the Kazakh president were amicable, friendly and fruitful, Xi told reporters.

The two countries have set a new goal of doubling two-way trade at an early date, said the Chinese president, and agreed to continuously deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as economy, trade, investment, production capacity, interconnectivity and energy.

The nations will also foster new growth points for cooperation in critical minerals, new energy, scientific and technological innovation, aerospace, digital economy and other fields, he said.

China was Kazakhstan's largest trading partner in 2023, with two-way trade up 32 percent year on year to reach $41 billion. Key exports from Kazakhstan to China include crude oil, metals and agricultural products, and China has supplied Kazakhstan with machinery, electronics and consumer goods.

Xi also said on Wednesday that China and Kazakhstan are companions on the path to modernization.

The Chinese president said that he and his Kazakh counterpart agree that both countries are at a critical stage of development and revitalization.

The two sides will continue to carry forward the fine tradition of mutual support, deepen political mutual trust, promote the synergy of development strategies, and be solid supporters that can be relied on and trusted, Xi said.

He said China and Kazakhstan have agreed to jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, three key initiatives proposed by China.

The two sides have pledged to continue working closely in international affairs and strengthen coordination and cooperation within the framework of the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the China-Central Asia mechanism as well as other multilateral frameworks, Xi said.

The Chinese side will hold the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan in 2025, according to the Chinese president.

China has also decided to open the second Luban Workshop in the Central Asian country, he said, adding that the two sides will expand cooperation in such fields as media, think tanks, as well as films and television, and encourage more twinning between provinces and cities of the two countries.

Xi is on a state visit to Kazakhstan and will attend the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO in Astana.

Tokayev told reporters that Xi's visit is of special historic significance and will be a new starting point for the higher-level development of Kazakhstan-China relations.

China is a friendly neighbor and a permanent comprehensive strategic partner of Kazakhstan, he said, adding that bilateral relations have always been based on mutual respect and trust, and there are no unresolved issues between the two countries.

Kazakhstan and China share similar positions on a lot of international and regional issues, and they both uphold the concept of peaceful diplomacy, said Tokayev.

He added that Kazakhstan is looking forward to working with China to promote more achievements in a new "golden 30 years" of bilateral relations.

(With input from Xinhua)