China, Central Asian countries agree to enhance personnel exchange, connectivity

China and Central Asian countries are willing to enhance personnel exchanges and connectivity, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. 

It said China is willing to simplify visa procedures with the five Central Asian countries, while all parties will study the feasibility of opening consular offices. 

All parties are also ready to improve road and railway connectivity and look to open more direct flights to and from China, it added. 

The statement said China, along with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, is willing to accelerate the modernization of existing border port facilities, assess the necessity and feasibility of establishing new ports based on practical needs, and consider setting up more cross-border trade zones for local residents in adjacent regions.

The statement also said that all parties are willing to further strengthen cross-border tourism cooperation. This includes improving tourism infrastructure, developing distinctive travel routes, launching China-Central Asia international cultural tourism trains, promoting tourism resources in China and Central Asia, and regularly organizing visits to China for travel agents from Central Asian countries.

All parties also pledged to deepen cultural and educational cooperation. This includes strengthening communication and coordination in international sports events, exploring ways to expand the two-way exchange of international students, and promoting academic exchange and training opportunities for experts and scholars among the countries.

(Cover: The first direct train from Tianjin Port to Uzbekistan departs, May 20, 2025. /VCG)