We begin the broadcast with the relationship between China and Kyrgyzstan as Presidents Xi Jinping and Sooronbai Jeenbekov just elevated diplomatic ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. They witnessed signing of various cooperative documents. CGTN's Zheng Yibing was there, and files this report from the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

A grand new state-visit welcome ceremony was held for the first time in Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Kyrgyzstan counterpart Sooronbai Jeenbekov watched on as the guard of honor marched, and the military band gave a performance.

Both leaders then held friendly talks. Xi Jinping expressed wishes for better ties.

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "We are happy to see that through coming together, our ties are on the fast-track for development, and reached the best time in history. Both have closer high-level communication, deepened political mutual trust, and important achievements in building the belt and road. These will bring real benefits to both of our country's people, and I am confident in the future of bilateral ties."

This is Jeenbekov's first visit to China, since he became president late last year. He showed gratitude for China's support of Kyrgyzstan, commending the upgrade in ties.

SOORONBAI JEENBEKOV KYRGYZSTAN PRESIDENT "We are willing to make joint efforts with you, continuously promoting bilateral ties. Today we will start a new chapter in China-Kyrgyzstan ties: the comprehensive strategic partnership."

China and Kyrgyzstan established diplomatic relations in 1992, and became strategic partners in 2013.

Now, under the comprehensive strategic partnership, both countries vowed to work together to further business cooperation, expand cultural and people exchanges, and increase joint security efforts to crack down on three evil forces: terrorism, separatism and extremism, and transnational organized crime.

The two presidents also witnessed the signing of over ten cooperative documents, covering such fields as trade, energy, and human resources.

ZHENG YIBING BEIJING "During his stay in China, Jeenbekov will attend a high-level SCO meeting in Qingdao, and is also expected to boost ties with China and other SCO members and participants. Zheng Yibing, CGTN, Beijing."