Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral meetings with a number of his counterparts during their visits to Kazakhstan for the summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
On July 3, he met with the Presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Russia.
Meeting Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Xi said that the two leaders held fruitful talks in Xi’an last May and reached a high degree of consensus on China-Kyrgyzstan relations and bilateral cooperation in various fields. Good neighbours wish each other well, Xi said, adding that China is happy to see a stable and developing Kyrgyzstan and will, as always, firmly support Kyrgyzstan in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and in finding a development path suited to its national conditions.
China is willing to import more high-quality green agricultural products from Kyrgyzstan, support Chinese enterprises in investing and doing business in the Central Asian country, strengthen cooperation in areas such as new energy vehicles and cross-border e-commerce, and accelerate the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project.
Japarov said he still vividly remembers his visit to China in May last year, which opened up a new era in bilateral relations. At present, the political relations between Kyrgyzstan and China are developing at a high level, various departments of the two countries maintain close communication, sub-national exchanges and cooperation are booming, and bilateral trade and investment are growing steadily.
He said that in the face of global changes unseen in a century, Kyrgyzstan-China relations have always been rock-solid, and there are no political differences or cooperation obstacles between the two countries.
Meeting with Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, Xi said that China and Azerbaijan have upgraded bilateral relations to strategic partnership, which is a new positioning and a new starting point. China and Azerbaijan are good friends with sincerity and mutual trust, as well as good partners with equality and mutual benefit, and bilateral relations have been developing healthily and steadily, with fruitful cooperation and richer strategic connotations. The two sides should promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, oil and gas, and photovoltaics, strengthen connectivity, advance the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and ensure the healthy and stable operation of China-Europe freight trains. China supports Azerbaijan in hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
President Aliyev said that Azerbaijan firmly abides by the one-China principle and firmly supports China’s great cause of national reunification, which is the trend of history, and no force can stop it. Azerbaijan is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China, tap the potential, enhance cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, investment, new energy and culture within the framework of Belt and Road cooperation, closely collaborate within the SCO and other frameworks, oppose external interference and safeguard regional security and stability.
Meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Xi said that during his counterpart’s successful state visit to China in January, China and Uzbekistan agreed to elevate their ties to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era and promote the construction of a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future from a higher starting point.
Noting that China firmly supports Uzbekistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and security, Xi said China is always a trustworthy friend and partner of Uzbekistan.
He urged the two sides to further advance the Belt and Road cooperation, well implement the medium- and long-term cooperation plan on economy, trade and investment, speed up the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, as well as cooperation in fields of photovoltaic, wind power and new energy vehicles, and continue to strengthen cooperation in poverty reduction and social governance.
China supports the expansion of exchanges between the two countries at the sub-national level, as well as exchanges in tourism, education and other fields, he said, noting China welcomes Uzbekistan’s participation in the seventh China International Import Expo as the guest country of honour.
This meeting was followed up by a July 6-9 visit to Uzbekistan by Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC).
Meeting with President Mirziyoyev, Zhao noted that the Uzbek leader had met with President Xi in Astana just a few days ago and reached a broad consensus, charting the course for the high-level development of China-Uzbekistan relations.
Mirziyoyev asked Zhao to convey his best wishes to President Xi and extended congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Uzbekistan fully supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative, firmly abides by the one-China principle, and is willing to deepen bilateral cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, local governments, education and energy resources.
The meeting between Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin was the two men’s second meeting in less than two months. Xi urged China and Russia to continue to strengthen the alignment of development strategies and international strategic coordination.
He noted that President Putin paid a successful state visit to China this May, saying that the two sides are working together to make plans and arrangements for the future development of bilateral relations at the important historical juncture of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Russia.
Facing an international situation fraught with turbulence and changes, the two countries should keep upholding the original aspiration of lasting friendship and sticking to the determination of benefiting the people. China supports Russia in fulfilling its responsibilities as BRICS chair, uniting the Global South, preventing a new Cold War and opposing illegal unilateral sanctions and hegemonism.
For his part, Putin thanked Xi for warmly receiving him on his state visit to China in May, recalling that they celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Russia and China and made plans for their future development.
At present, Russia-China relations are at the highest level in history, Putin said, adding that the two sides respect each other, and treat each other with equality and mutual benefit. He also said that Russia-China relations feature non-alignment and do not target any third party, which conforms to the well-being of the two peoples.
On July 4, Xi Jinping met with the Presidents of Belarus and Türkiye as well as with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Meeting President Alexander Lukashenko, Xi said that he believes China-Belarus relations will continue to develop healthily and with great strides under joint efforts of both countries.
Congratulating Belarus on officially joining the SCO, Xi said President Lukashenko visited China twice in 2023, during which he and Lukashenko jointly drew a new blueprint for the development of the China-Belarus all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership.
For his part, Lukashenko thanked the Chinese side for supporting Belarus on officially joining the SCO, and congratulated China on taking over its rotating presidency. The performance of the Guard of Honour of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in Belarus the previous day was warmly welcomed, which is another demonstration of the friendship between the two countries, he added.
Belarus supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative proposed by Xi, as well as the six-point consensus jointly proposed by China and Brazil on a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
This meeting was promptly followed by a visit to Beijing by Maksim Ryzhenkov, the newly appointed Foreign Minister of Belarus.
Meeting his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Ryzhenkov, who took office on June 27, said that Belarus attaches great importance to Belarus-China relations, and China is the first country he visited after taking office as foreign minister. He thanked China for supporting Belarus in joining the SCO. Regarding the crisis in Ukraine, he also spoke highly of the six-point consensus jointly put forward by China and Brazil.
Wang Yi said that the top priority is to follow the three principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting, and no fanning of the flames by any party, so as to ease and cool down the crisis and create conditions for restarting dialogue.
Meeting his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Xi Jinping said that China and Türkiye should push for greater development of their strategic cooperative relationship. He pointed out that China-Türkiye relations have maintained a stable development momentum. As major developing countries and members of the Global South, China and Türkiye share a broad consensus on pursuing their respective national development and revitalisation and upholding the norms governing international relations.
China and Türkiye share the same or similar views on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Ukraine crisis and other issues, and should keep in close communication, Xi said, adding that China is willing to strengthen coordination with Türkiye within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the G-20.
For his part, Erdogan said Türkiye attaches great importance to developing relations with China, unswervingly commits to promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields, firmly adheres to the one-China principle and respects China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Turkish side appreciates China’s significant contributions to promoting world peace, including its fair and just stance on the Palestinian issue.
Meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Xi Jinping said that as the core platform for practicing multilateralism and advancing global governance, the United Nations’ role can only be strengthened, not weakened.
The Chinese side supports the UN Summit of the Future and hopes that it will send a positive signal of upholding multilateralism, strengthening solidarity and cooperation, and making global governance more just and reasonable. China also supports the United Nations in playing a leading role in advancing the reform of the international financial architecture and the global governance of artificial intelligence, Xi added.
Guterres said that the current international order, especially the international financial mechanism, needs to be reformed to adapt to the development and changes of the international situation.
The United Nations is willing to make every effort to promote the adjustment of the international financial architecture and artificial intelligence global governance, so as to make global governance more just and reasonable and more conducive to the common development of developing countries. The future of humanity largely depends on China, he said, adding that the United Nations looks forward to further strengthening communication and cooperation with China.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who accompanied President Xi, also held a number of separate meetings in Astana.
On July 3, he chaired the trilateral consultation among the foreign ministers of China, Russia, and Mongolia, during which he discussed cooperation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh.
Wang Yi said, China, Russia and Mongolia are permanent neighbours sharing weal and woe and cooperative partners with a shared future. The mutually beneficial cooperation among the three countries, with its inherent geographical advantages and profound heritage, serves the fundamental interests of the people of the three countries. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia and between China and Mongolia as well as the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia-Mongolia mechanism. China is ready to work with Russia and Mongolia to stay true to the original aspiration of cooperation, set the right course forward, strengthen solidarity and coordination, remove external interference, jointly discuss an effective path for mutual benefit, build a prosperous and stable regional structure, and share the benefits of regional development.
Sergey Lavrov and Battsetseg Batmunkh spoke highly of the trilateral foreign ministers’ consultation mechanism, saying that the trilateral mutually beneficial cooperation has broad prospects and huge potential. They are willing to work with China to deliver on the important common understandings reached between the heads of state of the three countries, seek greater synergy of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Steppe Road Program and the Belt and Road Initiative, speed up connectivity and the development of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, and build more landmark and key projects to continuously take trilateral cooperation to a new level.
Sergey Lavrov recently stated that Mongolia is the logical next candidate to become a full member of the SCO. Following the admission of Belarus to full membership, Mongolia and Afghanistan are currently the two countries with SCO observer status. However, Afghanistan’s participation has been in abeyance since the return to power of the Taliban.
In a separate bilateral meeting the same day with Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh, Wang Yi said that China and Mongolia are inseparable neighbours and the sound and steady development of bilateral relations serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples. China attaches importance to the Mongolian side’s statement that it takes developing friendship with China as its established policy and is ready to work with Mongolia to maintain the political foundation of bilateral relations, cherish the fruits of mutually beneficial cooperation over the years and continue to push forward the China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership.
On July 4, Wang Yi met with Indian Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
Wang Yi said that at a time when the changes unseen in a century are accelerating, China and India, as representatives of two ancient civilisations, major developing countries and emerging economies, are at a critical juncture in the process of national revitalisation, and upholding good-neighbourliness and friendship and realising common development serve the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples and are also in line with the correct historical logic.
He further emphasised that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Chinese leaders, together with leaders from India and Myanmar, jointly advocated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, contributing the oriental wisdom to and setting a correct benchmark for building the post-war international order and handling state-to-state relations. Seventy years later, today the two sides have the responsibility and the obligation to carry forward the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and add new dimensions. As countries of the Global South, China and India should join hands to oppose unilateral bullying, resist camp confrontation, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and make due contributions to regional and world peace, stability and development.
Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said, the current geopolitical situation is very complex, and India and China, two big neighbours, face common challenges. India and China share broad common interests, and developing stable and predictable India-China relations serves the interests of both sides and will benefit the region and the world. India hopes to work with China to constructively resolve specific differences and turn a new page in India-China relations as soon as possible. India will adhere to an independent foreign policy, uphold the concept of multilateralism, work for a multipolar world and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
The two sides agreed to work for stability in the border areas and hold a new round of consultations on the boundary issue at an early date.
The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Xi urges China, Kyrgyzstan to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation
ASTANA, July 3 (Xinhua) — China and Kyrgyzstan should explore new ways of thinking to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to make it continue to deepen and more effective, said Chinese President Xi Jinping here on Wednesday.
Xi said the two sides should expand economic, trade and investment cooperation, enhance connectivity and expand cooperation on new quality productive forces.
Xi made the remarks in his talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov ahead of the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana.
Xi said that the two leaders held fruitful talks in Xi’an last May and reached many consensuses on China-Kyrgyzstan relations and bilateral cooperation in various fields. Over the past year or so, these consensuses have been effectively implemented, and good news on China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation has been reported frequently.
Good neighbors wish each other well, Xi said, adding that China is happy to see a stable and developing Kyrgyzstan and will, as always, firmly support Kyrgyzstan in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and in finding a development path suited to its national conditions.
China is willing to deepen the synergy of development strategies with Kyrgyzstan, expand the sharing of experience in governance, promote all-round mutually beneficial cooperation and advance the building of a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future, Xi noted.
The Chinese president said that China is willing to import more high-quality green agricultural products from Kyrgyzstan, support Chinese enterprises in investing and doing business in the Central Asian country, strengthen cooperation in areas such as new energy vehicles and cross-border e-commerce, and accelerate the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project.
Xi said that the two sides should give full play to the platforms such as the Chinese traditional medicine center in Kyrgyzstan, the Chinese Cultural Center and the Luban Workshop to nurture more successors of China-Kyrgyzstan friendly cooperation.
China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Kyrgyzstan, continue to strengthen the China-Central Asia mechanism, and ensure that the SCO develops in the right direction that serves the common interests of all parties, he added.
For his part, Japarov said he still vividly remembers his visit to China in May last year, which opened up a new era in bilateral relations. At present, the political relations between Kyrgyzstan and China are developing at a high level, various departments of the two countries maintain close communication, sub-national exchanges and cooperation are booming, and bilateral trade and investment are growing steadily.
He said that in the face of global changes unseen in a century, Kyrgyzstan-China relations have always been rock-solid, and there are no political differences or cooperation obstacles between the two countries.
Japarov said Kyrgyzstan firmly adheres to the one-China principle, adding that Kyrgyzstan welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in the country, and will provide good business environment for Chinese enterprises. It is hoped that the two sides will work together to promote the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project and close multilateral communication and collaboration in the SCO and other platforms.
Xi says China, Azerbaijan upgrade bilateral relations to strategic partnership
ASTANA, July 3 (Xinhua) — China and Azerbaijan have upgraded bilateral relations to strategic partnership, which is a new positioning and a new starting point, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Wednesday when meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev ahead of the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Xi noted that the two sides should continue supporting each other in a bid to bring more benefits to the two peoples.
China and Azerbaijan are good friends with sincerity and mutual trust, as well as good partners with equality and mutual benefit, and bilateral relations have been developing healthily and steadily, with fruitful cooperation and richer strategic connotations, he said.
China firmly supports Azerbaijan in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, Xi stressed.
The two sides should promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, oil and gas, and photovoltaics, strengthen connectivity, advance the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and ensure the healthy and stable operation of China-Europe freight trains, he said.
The two sides should also carry out more exchanges in such areas as education, culture and tourism, as well as between the youths of the two nations and at the sub-national level, and consolidate the public foundation of China-Azerbaijan friendship, he said.
China supports Azerbaijan in hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Xi said.
China stands ready to work with Azerbaijan to advocate an equal and orderly world multipolarity, and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and promote world peace, stability and development, he said.
For his part, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan and China are good partners.
The two countries have maintained close exchanges at various departments and levels, witnessed increasing bilateral trade volume, and firmly supported each other in safeguarding independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in international organizations, he said.
The two sides jointly announced the establishment of the Azerbaijan-China strategic partnership in a joint statement, which is of great significance to the development of bilateral relations, he said.
Azerbaijan firmly abides by the one-China principle and firmly supports China’s great cause of national reunification, which is the trend of history and no force can stop it, he said.
Azerbaijan is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China, tap the potential, enhance cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, investment, new energy and culture within the framework of Belt and Road cooperation, closely collaborate within the SCO and other frameworks, oppose external interference and safeguard regional security and stability, said Aliyev.
The two sides issued the joint statement on establishing the strategic partnership.
Relevant departments of the two sides signed cooperation documents in such areas as Belt and Road cooperation and connectivity.
Xi says China ready to promote high-quality development of China-Uzbekistan relations
ASTANA, July 3 (Xinhua) — China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to promote the high-quality development of China-Uzbekistan relations with the future of the country and the well-being of its people in mind, said Chinese President Xi Jinping here on Wednesday.
Xi made the remarks during a meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev ahead of the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana.
During Mirziyoyev’s successful state visit to China in January, China and Uzbekistan agreed to elevate their ties to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era, and promote the construction of a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future from a higher starting point, Xi said, noting the development of bilateral relations have ushered in a new stage.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Xi said, adding China is speeding up Chinese modernization, and Uzbekistan is also comprehensively advancing the “Uzbekistan-2030” strategy.
The goal of both sides is very grand but also simple, which is to deliver a better life for their people, Xi said.
Noting that China firmly supports Uzbekistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and security, Xi said China is always a trustworthy friend and partner of Uzbekistan.
He urged the two sides to further advance the Belt and Road cooperation, well implement the medium- and long-term cooperation plan on economy, trade and investment, speed up the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, as well as cooperation in fields of photovoltaic, wind power and new energy vehicles, and continue to strengthen cooperation in poverty reduction and social governance.
China supports the expansion of exchanges between the two countries at the sub-national level, as well as exchanges in tourism, education and other fields, he said, noting China welcomes Uzbekistan’s participation in the seventh China International Import Expo as the guest country of honor.
China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to speed up the implementation of the outcomes of the China-Central Asia Summit held in the city of Xi’an, strengthen coordination and cooperation, and ensure that the SCO always develops in a direction that serves the common interests of all parties, Xi said.
For his part, Mirziyoyev said the two sides jointly announced in Beijing to elevate their ties to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era in January, which opened a new era of China-Uzbekistan relations.
Under the wise leadership of President Xi, China has successfully coped with various risks and challenges and made world-leading achievements in the fields of economy, science and technology, he said.
Mirziyoyev expressed his congratulations and wished the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee a complete success.
Uzbekistan firmly abides by the one-China principle and resolutely combats the “three evil forces” of terrorism, extremism and separatism, he said.
Uzbekistan is willing to work with China to be each other’s reliable friend and partner, continue to respect, understand and support each other, and promote pragmatic cooperation in various fields to achieve more fruitful results, Mirziyoyev said.
He said Uzbekistan is willing to closely coordinate and cooperate with China within the China-Central Asia mechanism, the SCO, as well as other multilateral frameworks.
Uzbekistan is ready to promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, which were proposed by Xi, Mirziyoyev said.
China’s top legislator pays official goodwill visit to Uzbekistan
TASHKENT, July 9 (Xinhua) — At the invitation of Tanzila Narbayeva, chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan and Nurdinjon Ismoilov, speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, China’s top legislator Zhao Leji paid an official goodwill visit to Uzbekistan on July 6-9.
During the visit, Zhao, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and held talks with Narbayeva and Ismoilov respectively in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.
When meeting with Mirziyoyev, Zhao conveyed cordial greetings and best wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Zhao said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Uzbekistan relations have achieved leapfrog development and are building a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future based on the all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.
A few days ago, President Xi and President Mirziyoyev met in Astana and reached many new important consensuses, charting the course for the high-level development of China-Uzbekistan relations, Zhao said.
He noted that China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to implement the important consensuses reached by the two heads of state, deepen strategic mutual trust, advance practical cooperation, build a stronger security barrier, strengthen international and regional coordination, increase legislative exchanges and cooperation, and push forward the building of a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future.
Mirziyoyev asked Zhao to convey his best wishes to President Xi and extended congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Uzbekistan fully supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, firmly abides by the one-China principle, and is willing to deepen bilateral cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, local governments, education and energy resources, Mirziyoyev said.
Uzbekistan is ready to learn from China’s experience in development and poverty reduction, and work together to combat the “three forces” and further deepen the Uzbekistan-China all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.
In talks with Narbayeva and Ismoilov, Zhao pointed out that a high degree of political mutual trust is the cornerstone for the stable and long-term development of China-Uzbekistan relations.
He called on the two countries to support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests, help each other in advancing their respective development strategies, learn from each other in expanding reform and opening up, carry forward the friendship from generation to generation, and promote mutual understanding and amity between the two peoples.
The NPC of China is ready to work with the Senate and Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan to focus on implementing the important consensuses reached by the two heads of state, give full play to the functions and roles of the legislative bodies, strengthen exchanges at various levels and in various fields, deepen the sharing of governance experience, and provide legal guarantee for the synergizing of development strategies and strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
He also called for strengthening coordination in multilateral organizations such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union to safeguard the common interests of the two countries and developing countries.
Noting that the legislatures of the two countries bear important responsibilities in implementing the important consensuses reached by the two heads of state, Narbayeva said that the Uzbek Senate is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the NPC, learn from each other’s experience in legislation and supervision, and promote effective cooperation in economy, trade, culture, education, local governments, women and other areas.
Ismoilov expressed congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the NPC. The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with China and play a positive role in promoting bilateral cooperation in the fields of legislation, local governments, poverty reduction and tourism, he said.
Zhao briefed the Uzbek side on the Global Civilization Initiative, China’s scientific and technological innovations, and legislation in foreign-related fields. The Uzbek side said that both countries have a long history and a splendid civilization, and Uzbekistan is willing to deepen exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations and strengthen cooperation in science and technology, foreign-related legislation and other fields
During a meeting with Governor of Samarkand region Erkinjon Turdimov, Zhao said that China is willing to promote cooperation between Uzbek and Chinese local governments and increase the social and public support for friendly relations between the two countries.
He also attended and delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the symposium on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Confucius Institute at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, and visited the Olympic City project whose construction China is participating. He also laid a wreath at the Monument of the Independence in Tashkent.
Xi urges China, Russia to continue strengthening alignment of development strategies
ASTANA, July 3 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged China and Russia to continue to strengthen the alignment of development strategies and international strategic coordination.
Xi made the remarks when meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana.
He noted that President Putin paid a successful state visit to China this May, saying that the two sides are working together to make plans and arrangements for the future development of bilateral relations at the important historical juncture of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Russia.
Facing an international situation fraught with turbulence and changes, the two countries should keep upholding the original aspiration of lasting friendship, and sticking to the determination of benefiting the people, Xi said.
He urged China and Russia to continuously conserve the unique value in China-Russia relations, and explore the internal driving force of bilateral cooperation, saying that the two countries should also make new efforts to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests and safeguard the basic norms governing international relations.
China supports Russia in fulfilling its responsibilities as BRICS chair, uniting the “Global South,” preventing a “new Cold War” and opposing illegal unilateral sanctions and hegemonism, he said.
Noting that the SCO Astana summit will be held on Thursday, Xi said the Chinese side looks forward to working with Russia and other member states to promote the steady and long-term development of the SCO and build an even closer SCO community with a shared future.
China and Russia, Xi said, should continue to strengthen comprehensive strategic coordination, oppose external interference and jointly safeguard regional tranquility and stability.
For his part, Putin thanked Xi for warmly receiving him on his state visit to China in May, recalling that they celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Russia and China and made plans for the future development of Russia-China relations.
At present, Russia-China relations are at the highest level in history, Putin said, adding that the two sides respect each other, and treat each other with equality and mutual benefit.
He also said that Russia-China relations feature non-alignment and do not target at any third party, which conforms to the well-being of the two peoples.
Russia, he said, supports China in safeguarding its core interests and legitimate rights and interests, and opposes external interference in China’s internal affairs and the South China Sea issue.
Noting that China will soon take over the rotating presidency of the SCO, he said Russia will fully support China’s work and work with other member states to continuously enhance the international influence of the organization, safeguard regional peace and security, and promote the development of the international system in a more just and equitable direction.
As the rotating chair of BRICS this year, Russia looks forward to strengthening communication and coordination with China on BRICS cooperation, he added.
The two heads of state also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.
Xi stressed that China always stands on the right side of history, adheres to promoting peace talks, and is willing to continue to make positive efforts for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and other regional hotspot issues.
Xi says China-Belarus relations to develop healthily, with great strides
ASTANA, July 4 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday that he believes China-Belarus relations will continue to develop healthily and with great strides under joint efforts of both countries.
Xi made the remarks when meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana.
Congratulating Belarus on officially joining the SCO, Xi said President Lukashenko visited China twice in 2023, during which he and Lukashenko jointly drew a new blueprint for the development of the China-Belarus all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership.
This year has witnessed close communication between the two countries at all levels and effective implementation of the consensus reached between both sides, Xi noted.
For his part, Lukashenko thanked the Chinese side for supporting Belarus on officially joining the SCO, and congratulated China on taking over the rotating presidency of the SCO.
The performance of the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in Belarus on Wednesday was warmly welcomed, which is another demonstration of the friendship between the two countries, he said.
Belarus supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi, as well as the six-point consensus jointly proposed by China and Brazil on a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, Lukashenko said, adding that the Belarusian side looks forward to further strengthening bilateral and multilateral coordination with China.
Chinese, Belarusian FMs hold talks in Beijing
BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Foreign Minister of Belarus Maksim Ryzhenkov in Beijing on Monday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is willing to work with Belarus to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote the continuous deepening and solidification of the China-Belarus all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership.
China is ready to take the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an opportunity to work with all parties to carry forward the Shanghai Spirit and build the SCO’s common home into solidarity and mutual trust, peace and tranquility, prosperity and development, good-neighborliness and friendship, as well as fairness and justice.
Ryzhenkov said that Belarus attaches great importance to Belarus-China relations, and China is the first country he visited after taking office as foreign minister. He thanked China for supporting Belarus in joining the SCO.
Belarus greatly appreciates and will continue to participate deeply in the series of global initiatives proposed by China, and adhere to the practice of multilateralism to jointly address global challenges, Ryzhenkov said.
The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis.
Ryzhenkov spoke highly of the six-point consensus jointly put forward by China and Brazil. Wang said that the top priority is to follow the three principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting, and no fanning of the flames by any party, so as to ease and cool down the crisis and create conditions for restarting dialogue.
Xi says China, Türkiye should push for greater development of strategic cooperative relationship
ASTANA, July 4 (Xinhua) — China and Türkiye should push for greater development of their strategic cooperative relationship, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday.
The two sides should also support each other in safeguarding their core interests, constantly consolidate political mutual trust and promote high-level mutually beneficial cooperation, said Xi when meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Astana.
Xi pointed out that China-Türkiye relations have maintained a stable development momentum. As major developing countries and members of the Global South, China and Türkiye share broad consensus on pursuing their respective national development and revitalization and upholding norms governing international relations, he added.
Xi stressed that China supports Türkiye in following a development path suited to its own national conditions, encourages both sides to expand trade, supports Chinese enterprises in increasing investment in Türkiye, promotes cooperation on infrastructure projects in an orderly manner, and encourages more Chinese citizens to travel to Türkiye.
China and Türkiye share same or similar views on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Ukraine crisis and other issues, and should keep in close communication, Xi said, adding that China is willing to strengthen coordination with Türkiye within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the Group of 20.
For his part, Erdogan said Türkiye attaches great importance to developing relations with China, unswervingly commits to promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields, firmly adheres to the one-China principle and respects China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Noting that China is Türkiye’s most important economic and trade partner in the world and in Asia, Erdogan said the Turkish side welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in Türkiye and more Chinese tourists to visit Türkiye.
It is hoped that the two sides will further align the Belt and Road Initiative with Türkiye’s development strategies and expand cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, infrastructure and clean energy, he said.
The Turkish side appreciates China’s significant contributions to promoting world peace, including its fair and just stance on the Palestinian issue, Erdogan said.
Türkiye hopes to strengthen multilateral communication and coordination with China, he added.
Xi says UN’s role as core platform for practicing multilateralism should be strengthened
ASTANA, July 4 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday that as the core platform for practicing multilateralism and advancing global governance, the United Nations’ role can only be strengthened, not weakened.
Xi made the remarks when meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana.
No matter how the international situation changes, China always adheres to genuine multilateralism and supports the United Nations in playing a central role in international affairs, he said.
All countries in the world belong to a community with a shared future, Xi said.
Noting that the ship of humanity will not sail smoothly into the future, he said the international community must work together to ensure that the ship is always sailing in the right direction.
The Chinese side supports the UN Summit of the Future, and hopes that it will send a positive signal of upholding multilateralism, strengthening solidarity and cooperation, and making global governance more just and reasonable, he said.
China also supports the United Nations in playing a leading role in advancing the reform of the international financial architecture and the global governance of artificial intelligence, Xi added.
Guterres said that the current international order, especially the international financial mechanism, needs to be reformed to adapt to the development and changes of the international situation.
The United Nations, he said, is willing to make every effort to promote the adjustment of the international financial architecture and artificial intelligence global governance, so as to make global governance more just and reasonable and more conducive to the common development of developing countries.
He thanked China for supporting the cause of the United Nations, practicing multilateralism and playing a key and constructive role in promoting world peace and development.
The future of humanity largely depends on China, he said, adding that the United Nations looks forward to further strengthening communication and cooperation with China.
China, Russia and Mongolia Hold Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Consultation in Astana
July 4 (MFA) — On July 3, 2024 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi chaired the trilateral consultation among the foreign ministers of China, Russia, and Mongolia in Astana, during which he discussed trilateral cooperation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh.
Wang Yi said, China, Russia and Mongolia are permanent neighbors sharing weal and woe and cooperative partners with a shared future. The mutually beneficial cooperation among the three countries, with its inherent geographical advantages and profound heritage, serves the fundamental interests of the people of the three countries. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of the three countries, practical cooperation among China, Russia and Mongolia has developed steadily, exchanges and dialogues in various fields have deepened, and the development of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor has made solid progress. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia and between China and Mongolia as well as the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia-Mongolia mechanism. China is ready to work with Russia and Mongolia to stay true to the original aspiration of cooperation, set the right course forward, strengthen solidarity and coordination, remove external interference, jointly discuss an effective path for mutual benefit, build a prosperous and stable regional structure, and share the benefits of regional development.
Sergey Lavrov and Battsetseg Batmunkh spoke highly of the trilateral foreign ministers’ consultation mechanism among China, Russia and Mongolia, saying that the trilateral mutually beneficial cooperation has broad prospects and huge potential. They are willing to work with China to deliver on the important common understandings reached between the heads of state of the three countries, seek greater synergy of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Steppe Road Program and the Belt and Road Initiative, speed up connectivity and the development of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, and build more landmark and key projects to continuously take trilateral cooperation to a new level.
The three foreign ministers also had an exchange of views on international and regional issues of mutual interest and concern, saying that the three countries will strengthen multilateral coordination, oppose unilateral acts, safeguard regional peace and stability, and promote regional integrated development.
Wang Yi Meets with Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh
July 4 (MFA) — On July 3, 2024 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh in Astana.
Wang Yi said that China and Mongolia are inseparable neighbors and the sound and steady development of bilateral relations serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples. China attaches importance to the Mongolian side’s statement that it takes developing friendship with China as its established policy. China is ready to work with Mongolia to maintain the political foundation of bilateral relations, cherish the fruits of mutually beneficial cooperation over the years and continue to push forward the China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership.
Noting that China is Mongolia’s permanent neighbor and partner, Battsetseg Batmunkh thanked China for its long-term support and assistance to Mongolia’s economic and social development. Mongolia takes deepening its friendship with China as a priority in its foreign policy and is willing to expand practical cooperation with China in various fields and develop a long-term and stable Mongolia-China comprehensive strategic partnership.
Wang Yi Meets with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
July 4 (MFA) — On July 4, 2024 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Astana.
Wang Yi said that at a time when the changes unseen in a century are accelerating, China and India, as representatives of two ancient civilizations, major developing countries and emerging economies, are at a critical juncture in the process of national revitalization, and upholding good-neighborliness and friendship and realizing common development serve the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples and also in line with the correct historical logic. The two sides should view bilateral relations from a strategic perspective, strengthen communication and properly handle differences to ensure the sound and stable development of China-India relations. He called on China and India to follow the important common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries, respect, understand, trust, and accommodate each other, and help each other succeed, exploring the right way for the two big neighbors to get along with each other. The two sides should adhere to positive thinking, properly handling and controlling the situation in the border areas, while actively resuming normal exchanges to promote each other and move forward together.
Wang Yi emphasized that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Chinese leaders, together with leaders from India and Myanmar, jointly advocated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, contributing the oriental wisdom to and setting a correct benchmark for building the post-war international order and handling state-to-state relations. Seventy years later today, the two sides have the responsibility and the obligation to carry forward the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and add new dimensions. As countries of the “Global South”, China and India should join hands to oppose unilateral bullying, resist camp confrontation, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and make due contributions to regional and world peace, stability and development.
Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said, the current geopolitical situation is very complex, and India and China, two big neighbors, face common challenges. India and China share broad common interests, and developing stable and predictable India-China relations serves the interests of both sides and will benefit the region and the world. India hopes to work with China to constructively resolve specific differences and turn a new page in India-China relations as soon as possible, guided by the grand vision agreed upon by the leaders of the two sides. China will soon take over the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). India supports China in performing its duties and is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral mechanisms. India will adhere to an independent foreign policy, uphold the concept of multilateralism, work for a multipolar work and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
The two sides agreed to work for stability in the border areas and hold a new round of consultations on the boundary issue at an early date.
