Ashraf AboArafe reports
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed deep appreciation for the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his active engagement in the Central Asian regional agenda, as the Second Central Asia–China Summit commenced in Astana.
In his remarks, Tokayev commended China’s peace-oriented and progressive foreign policy, describing it as a catalyst for sustainable development and deepening regional cooperation. “China’s constructive approach,” he noted, “creates unique opportunities for creative partnerships and for building a shared future among Central Asian nations.”
The Kazakh leader also expressed gratitude to the heads of Central Asian states for their strong participation and support in enhancing regional collaboration. He welcomed Sun Weidong, Secretary General of the Central Asia–China Secretariat, underscoring the institutional growth of the multilateral platform.
Recalling the inaugural summit in Xi’an in 2023, Tokayev highlighted it as a turning point for the evolution of regional cooperation “in a new and dynamic format.” He emphasized that the current summit aims to focus on deepening ties in political, economic, trade, and cultural-humanitarian spheres, while also fostering dialogue on key regional and global challenges.
Following bilateral talks, Kazakhstan and China signed 24 intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements, reflecting the expanding scope of their strategic partnership.
President Tokayev personally saw off President Xi Jinping at Astana Airport, marking the conclusion of a high-level visit that reinforced China’s growing role in Central Asia’s future.
