From August 30 to September 3, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2026 in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan and paid a state visit to the country followed by one to Egypt.
Prior to his arrival in Bishkek, Xi published a signed article entitled “Jointly Opening up New Prospects for the High-Quality Development of China-Kyrgyzstan Relations” in the Kyrgyz media.
Invoking history, he wrote: “The ancient Silk Road is a testimony to the long-standing friendship between the two peoples. In both countries, the stories of historical figures such as Zhang Qian, Xuanzang and Li Bai — who had contributed to civilisational exchanges between China and Kyrgyzstan — are still widely told.”
Having surveyed a broad range of contemporary China-Kyrgyzstan relations, the Chinese leader noted: “With justice on our side, we have jointly navigated risks and challenges. Linked by mountains and rivers and bound by shared security, China and Kyrgyzstan are staunch defenders of regional security and stability. As founding members of the SCO as well as Global South countries, we share similar positions on upholding international fairness and justice and promoting open, inclusive development. Amid changing and volatile international and regional landscapes, we coordinate closely in multilateral frameworks, actively support each other’s major initiatives, and jointly advance an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.”
He added: “We should take a long-term view, focus on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and continuously upgrade practical cooperation. While strengthening existing cooperation in trade and investment, connectivity, and green mining, we should also cooperate in the digital economy, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and other emerging fields. We need to move forward with building the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, accelerate the revamping of land ports, and advance institutional connectivity alongside physical connectivity to facilitate the smooth flow of people and goods.
“We need to carry forward the traditional friendship. Our long-standing friendship is an invaluable asset. We should step up exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, art, media, think tank, youth, archaeology, and health to forge closer bonds. We should encourage our young people to study in each other’s countries and support more substantive outcomes from subnational exchanges. We need to spread the stories of our friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation to cement the foundation of people-to-people goodwill.
“We need to practice multilateralism. Kyrgyzstan’s historic election as a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council is a cause for celebration. It presents us with an opportunity to enhance coordination across the UN, firmly uphold the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law, act on the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and China’s four global initiatives, unequivocally oppose hegemonism, unilateralism, and bloc confrontation, jointly combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and bring into play a more just and equitable global governance system.
“Over the past 25 years, the SCO has fostered and followed the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilisations, and pursuit of common development. It has pioneered a new model of regional cooperation that features partnership instead of alliance, safeguards shared security and stability, and promotes common development and prosperity. It has become a comprehensive regional organisation with the widest geographical coverage, the largest population, and enormous potential. Since taking over the SCO presidency, Kyrgyzstan has carried out a great deal of productive work. China commends Kyrgyzstan’s efforts in building consensus among member states and advancing practical cooperation under the theme ‘Together Toward Sustainable Peace, Development, and Prosperity’.”
Xi held talks with President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan on the morning of August 31.
President Xi Jinping stressed that the steady and sustained development of China-Kyrgyzstan relations is underpinned by high-level political mutual trust and unwavering mutual support. China firmly supports Kyrgyzstan in safeguarding sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and supports Kyrgyzstan in following a development path suited to its national conditions. China will work with Kyrgyzstan to continue rendering each other unwavering support on issues concerning each side’s core interests.
China supports Kyrgyzstan in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs and will work with Kyrgyzstan to further enhance coordination under the UN framework, jointly implement China’s four global initiatives, oppose hegemonism and power politics, stay committed to true multilateralism, uphold international fairness and justice, and make the global governance system more just and equitable. As founding members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, China and Kyrgyzstan should work for the implementation of the outcomes of the Tianjin Summit, promote the shared development of this region, and take the SCO to new heights.
President Sadyr Zhaparov said that it is a great honour to receive President Xi Jinping on the 35th anniversary of the independence of Kyrgyzstan. This visit further demonstrates the profound friendship and high-level political mutual trust between Kyrgyzstan and China and marks an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations.
As neighbours, the two countries have been bound together by the ancient Silk Road. In recent years, with the rapid growth of the Kyrgyzstan-China comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era, the bilateral relationship has entered a golden period and reached the highest level in history. Kyrgyzstan is grateful for China’s selfless support and assistance at every critical moment in Kyrgyzstan’s development. Kyrgyzstan warmly congratulates the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the start of the implementation of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, admires China’s remarkable development achievements under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, and is keen to learn from China’s governance experience, in particular President Xi Jinping’s resolve to serve the people selflessly and live up to their expectations. China has always been a high priority in Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy and is Kyrgyzstan’s closest friend and most reliable partner. Kyrgyzstan firmly upholds the one-China principle and is ready to deepen good-neighbourliness and friendship with China on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. Kyrgyzstan will enhance cooperation with China in such areas as trade, investment, connectivity, sci-tech innovation, energy, mining and green economy, step up exchanges in areas including education, health, culture and youth, and jointly combat terrorism, separatism and extremism to uphold regional security. Kyrgyzstan is ready to actively advance the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, to make it a “steel and iron Silk Road” of the new era and a new bond of Kyrgyzstan-China friendship. The four global initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping can help countries jointly address common challenges and make the international order more just and stable. Kyrgyzstan will enhance coordination with China in multilateral platforms including the UN, the SCO, the China-Central Asia mechanism, and the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, to jointly uphold world peace and stability.
President Sadyr Zhaparov also extended condolences, on behalf of the government and people of Kyrgyzstan, over the devastating mudslide in Gyirong County, Xizang [Tibet] Autonomous Region. President Xi Jinping expressed his appreciation and noted that the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government are making every effort to conduct search-and-rescue operations for missing Chinese and foreign nationals, relocate disaster-affected people, treat the injured and guard against secondary disasters. Meanwhile, China has provided urgent assistance to Nepal. China has the capability and confidence to overcome the difficulties posed by the disaster and rebuild the devastated communities.
After their talks, the two heads of state signed the joint declaration between the People’s Republic of China and the Kyrgyz Republic on the high-quality development of the comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era and the treaty between the People’s Republic of China and the Kyrgyz Republic on permanent good-neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation, and witnessed the exchange of bilateral cooperation documents in areas including investment, transport, customs and sister-city relationships. During the visit, the two sides also signed more than 20 cooperation documents in areas such as science and technology, education, people-to-people exchanges and media.
The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and by the Xinhua News Agency. The texts of the joint declaration and the treaty were published in Chinese. They have been machine translated and subedited by us.
Full text of Xi’s signed article in Kyrgyz media
BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday published a signed article titled “Jointly Opening up New Prospects for the High-Quality Development of China-Kyrgyzstan Relations” in the Slovo Kyrgyzstana and the Kabar National News Agency ahead of his arrival in Kyrgyzstan for a state visit and attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2026 in Bishkek.
The following is the full text of the article:
Jointly Opening up New Prospects for the High-Quality Development of China-Kyrgyzstan Relations
H.E. Xi Jinping
President of the People’s Republic of China
For Slovo Kyrgyzstana and Kabar National News Agency
Early autumn brings clear skies and crisp air. In this season of harvest, I will pay a state visit to Kyrgyzstan and attend the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov. It will be my third visit to this beautiful land. I look forward to working with President Zhaparov to map out a new blueprint for China-Kyrgyzstan relations and make new progress in building an SCO community with a shared future.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan’s independence. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I extend sincere congratulations and best wishes to the friendly people of Kyrgyzstan. We are truly delighted to see our friendly neighbor enjoy sustained political stability, economic growth, and social harmony.
China and Kyrgyzstan are good neighbors sharing weal and woe, good partners with a shared future, and good friends who help each other succeed. Our two countries share a long history of exchanges. The ancient Silk Road is a testimony to the long-standing friendship between the two peoples. In both countries, the stories of historical figures such as Zhang Qian, Xuanzang and Li Bai — who had contributed to civilizational exchanges between China and Kyrgyzstan — are still widely told.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, our two countries have always upheld mutual respect, good-neighborliness, mutual learning, and mutual benefit, and steadily deepened mutual trust and cooperation. Having stood the test of changing international circumstances, our bilateral ties have made historic leaps from good-neighborly relations to strategic partnership, and then to comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era, gaining fresh dynamism with each stage of development.
In February 2025, President Zhaparov and I reached important common understandings on further deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era and building a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future defined by good-neighborliness, friendship and shared prosperity. The decision opened a new chapter of bilateral relations.
— With mutual trust as our bedrock, we have given each other firm support. Both sides have consistently backed each other in safeguarding sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and in adopting policies and measures for national development, thus setting a fine example of good-neighborliness and mutual success for neighboring countries. President Zhaparov and I met three times last year, and we have developed deep trust in each other, both professionally and personally. Together, we are steering China-Kyrgyzstan ties toward greater progress.
— With mutual benefit as our driving force, we have delivered real benefits to our people. China and Kyrgyzstan have complementary economies and immense cooperation potential. Despite sluggish global growth, our business cooperation has continued to make steady progress. China has been Kyrgyzstan’s largest trading partner and largest source of foreign investment for many years running. Chinese smart phones and electric vehicles have become trendy choices for Kyrgyz consumers, while more and more quality Kyrgyz farm products are making their way into Chinese kitchens. The two sides have worked together on a number of projects that deliver long-term benefits and real improvements to the lives of local communities. Construction on the Kyrgyz section of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is advancing in full swing, the Bedel checkpoint has been temporarily opened prior to full operation, and direct flights between our two countries are growing. In short, a multimodal connectivity network is increasingly taking shape.
— With heart-to-heart communication as our bridge, we have kept up vibrant exchanges and mutual learning. China has set up one Luban Workshop, four Confucius Institutes, and 21 Confucius Classrooms in Kyrgyzstan, making it easier for local people to acquire vocational skills and learn Chinese. China’s “Brightness Journey of Lifeline Express” for cataract patients and traditional Chinese medicine center have brought the benefits of bilateral medical and health cooperation to more people in Kyrgyzstan. The two sides have signed an agreement to set up cultural centers in each other’s countries, held cultural days, film festivals, and art festivals, and worked together to protect and promote world intangible cultural heritage like the Manas epic, bringing the charm of each culture closer to the other’s people. Two-way visits exceeded 400,000 last year, and 30 pairs of sister provinces and cities enjoy close ties, cementing the foundation for lasting friendship.
— With justice on our side, we have jointly navigated risks and challenges. Linked by mountains and rivers and bound by shared security, China and Kyrgyzstan are staunch defenders of regional security and stability. As founding members of the SCO as well as Global South countries, we share similar positions on upholding international fairness and justice and promoting open, inclusive development. Amid changing and volatile international and regional landscapes, we coordinate closely in multilateral frameworks, actively support each other’s major initiatives, and jointly advance an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.
This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. Under the strong leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people are striding forward confidently and resolutely toward the ambitious goal of building a great modern socialist country in all respects and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The people of Kyrgyzstan are implementing the country’s National Development Program until 2030 and making all-out efforts to build a “New Kyrgyzstan.” At this new starting point, the two sides should make steady progress toward building the China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future to bring more benefits to the two peoples and contribute even more to regional and world peace, stability, and prosperity.
We need to solidify good-neighborliness and friendship. The Chinese people like to say that good neighbors wish each other well, just as loved ones do. China and Kyrgyzstan should always support each other’s development, maintain the sound momentum of high-level exchanges and multitiered cooperation, better synergize development strategies, and deepen experience sharing on governance, to provide a solid foundation for each other’s development and revitalization. China will continue to do its best to support Kyrgyzstan in growing its economy and improving people’s lives.
We need to pursue mutual benefit and win-win results. This is essential for the enduring vitality of our cooperation. We should take a long-term view, focus on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and continuously upgrade practical cooperation. While strengthening existing cooperation in trade and investment, connectivity, and green mining, we should also cooperate in the digital economy, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and other emerging fields. We need to move forward with building the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, accelerate the revamping of land ports, and advance institutional connectivity alongside physical connectivity to facilitate the smooth flow of people and goods.
We need to carry forward the traditional friendship. Our long-standing friendship is an invaluable asset. We should step up exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, art, media, think tank, youth, archaeology, and health to forge closer bonds. We should encourage our young people to study in each other’s countries and support more substantive outcomes from subnational exchanges. We need to spread the stories of our friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation to cement the foundation of people-to-people goodwill.
We need to practice multilateralism. Kyrgyzstan’s historic election as a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council is a cause for celebration. It presents us with an opportunity to enhance coordination across the U.N., firmly uphold the U.N.-centered international system and the international order based on international law, act on the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and China’s four global initiatives, unequivocally oppose hegemonism, unilateralism, and bloc confrontation, jointly combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and bring into play a more just and equitable global governance system.
Over the past 25 years, the SCO has fostered and followed the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations, and pursuit of common development. It has pioneered a new model of regional cooperation that features partnership instead of alliance, safeguards shared security and stability, and promotes common development and prosperity. It has become a comprehensive regional organization with the widest geographical coverage, the largest population, and enormous potential. Since taking over the SCO presidency, Kyrgyzstan has carried out a great deal of productive work. China commends Kyrgyzstan’s efforts in building consensus among member states and advancing practical cooperation under the theme “Together Toward Sustainable Peace, Development, and Prosperity.” China is convinced that with the concerted efforts of all sides, this year’s SCO summit will be a crowning success and provide fresh impetus for carrying forward the Shanghai Spirit and building an SCO community with a shared future.
Kyrgyzstan has a saying, “Drop by drop, a lake is formed.” Likewise, we Chinese often say, “Without small streams, there would be no great rivers.” China is ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to steadily advance our multifaceted cooperation, channel the streams of our people’s goodwill into the river of our two nations’ friendship, and jointly open up new prospects for the high-quality development of China-Kyrgyzstan relations.
President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan
August 31 (MFA) – On the morning of August 31, 2026 local time, President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan held talks with President Xi Jinping at the Yntymak Ordo in Bishkek.
Amid the crisp autumn in Bishkek, President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan arrived at the Yntymak Ordo by limousine, and were warmly welcomed by President Sadyr Zhaparov and First Lady Aigul Zhaparova.
President Sadyr Zhaparov held a welcome ceremony for President Xi Jinping. President Xi Jinping and President Sadyr Zhaparov stepped onto the reviewing stand. The military band played the national anthems of China and Kyrgyzstan. The two heads of state reviewed the guard of honor. President Xi Jinping walked to the front of the honor guards and greeted them in Kyrgyz, and the honor guards answered “Forward! Forward!” Each president shook hands with the accompanying officials of the other side. President Xi Jinping and President Sadyr Zhaparov watched the march-past. The two heads of state and their wives walked into the Yntymak Ordo and posed for photo in front of the national flags of China and Kyrgyzstan.
Following the welcome ceremony, the two heads of state held talks.
President Xi Jinping began by extending congratulations on Kyrgyzstan’s Independence Day on behalf of the Chinese government and people.
President Xi Jinping noted that under our joint leadership, China-Kyrgyzstan relations have developed by leaps and bounds over recent years. Fruitful results in multifaceted cooperation have boosted the development of the two countries, benefited the two peoples, and contributed to regional peace, stability and prosperity. This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. China is striving to build a great country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. Kyrgyzstan is making all-out efforts to implement the country’s National Development Program until 2030. China is ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to better synergize development strategies, deepen experience sharing on governance and deliver more tangible and accessible outcomes through practical cooperation, so as to advance the China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future in depth and in substance.
President Xi Jinping stressed that the steady and sustained development of China-Kyrgyzstan relations is underpinned by high-level political mutual trust and unwavering mutual support. China firmly supports Kyrgyzstan in safeguarding sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and supports Kyrgyzstan in following a development path suited to its national conditions. China will work with Kyrgyzstan to continue rendering each other unwavering support on issues concerning each side’s core interests. The signing of the treaty between China and Kyrgyzstan on permanent good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation will provide an important legal foundation for the two countries to enjoy lasting friendship and unwavering mutual support.
President Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Kyrgyzstan should deepen bilateral practical cooperation, fully implement the intergovernmental trade and economic cooperation plan, expand the variety of traded goods, and cultivate new areas of growth such as digital trade and cross-border e-commerce. The two countries should pursue high-quality cooperation on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, a transportation artery carrying the region’s aspirations for development, move forward with the revamping of land ports, and deepen institutional connectivity of systems, standards and rules. The two countries should carry out more flagship projects in areas such as renewable energy and resource recycling and utilization, implement cooperation documents in green mining, and conduct cooperation across the entire industrial chain. The two countries should work together to ensure the success of the Belt and Road Joint Laboratory, step up cooperation in artificial intelligence and other areas, and improve the performance and efficiency of bilateral cooperation through sci-tech innovation. The two countries should also further promote personnel exchanges, strengthen cooperation in such areas as youth, media, tourism, sports, and medical care, and at subnational levels, so as to steadily consolidate the societal foundation of and popular support for China-Kyrgyzstan friendship.
President Xi Jinping noted that China and Kyrgyzstan should expand law enforcement and security cooperation, jointly fight against the three forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and combat drugs and transnational crimes, so as to uphold regional peace and stability through concerted efforts. China supports Kyrgyzstan in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and will work with Kyrgyzstan to further enhance coordination under the U.N. framework, jointly implement China’s four global initiatives, oppose hegemonism and power politics, stay committed to true multilateralism, uphold international fairness and justice, and make the global governance system more just and equitable. As the founding members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, China and Kyrgyzstan should work for the implementation of the outcomes of the Tianjin Summit, promote the shared development of this region, and take the SCO to new heights.
President Sadyr Zhaparov said that it is a great honor to receive President Xi Jinping on the 35th anniversary of the independence of Kyrgyzstan. This visit further demonstrates the profound friendship and high-level political mutual trust between Kyrgyzstan and China, and marks an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations. The signing of the treaty between Kyrgyzstan and China on permanent good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation will open up broader prospects for bilateral relations. As neighbors, the two countries have been bound together by the ancient Silk Road. In recent years, with the rapid growth of the Kyrgyzstan-China comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era, the bilateral relationship has entered a golden period and reached the highest level in history. Kyrgyzstan is grateful for China’s selfless support and assistance at every critical moment in Kyrgyzstan’s development. Kyrgyzstan warmly congratulates the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the start of the implementation of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, admires China’s remarkable development achievements under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, and is keen to learn from China’s governance experience, in particular President Xi Jinping’s resolve to serve the people selflessly and live up to their expectations. China has always been a high priority in Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy, and is Kyrgyzstan’s closest friend and most reliable partner. Kyrgyzstan firmly upholds the one-China principle, and is ready to deepen good-neighborliness and friendship with China on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. Kyrgyzstan will enhance cooperation with China in such areas as trade, investment, connectivity, sci-tech innovation, energy, mining and green economy, step up exchanges in areas including education, health, culture and youth, and jointly combat terrorism, separatism and extremism to uphold regional security. Kyrgyzstan is ready to actively advance the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, to make it a “steel and iron Silk Road” of the new era and a new bond of Kyrgyzstan-China friendship. The four global initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping can help countries jointly address common challenges, and make the international order more just and stable. Kyrgyzstan will enhance coordination with China on multilateral platforms including the U.N, the SCO, the China-Central Asia mechanism, and the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, to jointly uphold world peace and stability.
President Sadyr Zhaparov extended condolences, on behalf of the government and people of Kyrgyzstan, over the devastating mudslide in Gyirong County, Xizang Autonomous Region. President Xi Jinping expressed his appreciation and noted that the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government are making every effort to conduct search-and-rescue operations for missing Chinese and foreign nationals, relocate disaster-affected people, treat the injured and guard against secondary disasters. Meanwhile, China has provided urgent assistance to Nepal. China has the capability and confidence to overcome the difficulties posed by the disaster and rebuild the devastated communities.
After the talks, the two heads of state signed the joint declaration between the People’s Republic of China and the Kyrgyz Republic on the high-quality development of the comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era and the treaty between the People’s Republic of China and the Kyrgyz Republic on permanent good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation, and witnessed the exchange of bilateral cooperation documents in areas including investment, transport, customs and sister-city relationships. During the visit, the two sides signed more than 20 cooperation documents in areas such as science and technology, education, people-to-people exchanges and media.
At noon, President Sadyr Zhaparov and First Lady Aigul Zhaparova held a welcome banquet for President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan at the Yntymak Ordo.
Cai Qi and Wang Yi, among others, were present at the above events.
Xi urges quality construction of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway
BISHKEK, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on China and Kyrgyzstan to ensure the high-quality construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway.
In his talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, Xi described the railway as a major transportation artery that carries the development aspirations of the people across the region.
Zhaparov said Kyrgyzstan stands ready to actively advance the construction of the railway project, so as to turn it into a “steel Silk Road” for the new era and a new bond of friendship between the two countries.
The railway, which is currently under construction, was launched at the end of 2024. It is a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, serving as a strategic link between China and Central Asia.
The route will begin in Kashgar, located in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and pass through the mountainous terrain of Kyrgyzstan to reach Uzbekistan.
Joint Declaration of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of the People’s Republic of China and the Kyrgyz Republic on High-Quality Development in the New Era
September 1 (MFA) – At the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov of the Kyrgyz Republic, President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China made a state visit to the Kyrgyz Republic from August 30 to September 1, 2026, and attended the 26th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states.
The two heads of state held talks in a warm, friendly, and pragmatic atmosphere, highly praised the achievements in China-Kyrgyzstan relations, exchanged in-depth views on deepening comprehensive cooperation and addressing international and regional hotspot issues of common concern, reaching broad consensus.
China and Kyrgyzstan are good neighbours, good friends, and good partners, and deepening bilateral relations is of great significance and has a bright future. Facing a century of global changes, China-Kyrgyzstan relations have weathered international shifts, demonstrating strong stability, continuity, and endogenous momentum.
Both sides are willing to continue firmly supporting each other in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, ensuring social security and stability, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, promote sustainable economic and social development, advance the high-quality development of the China-Kyrgyzstan comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era, and reaffirm their willingness to work together to build a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future of good-neighbourliness, friendship, and shared prosperity.
1. Both sides pointed out that mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-use or threat of force, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful coexistence, equality and mutual benefit, and other UN Charter principles and international law norms form the solid foundation of China-Kyrgyzstan relations.
Both sides emphasised that China-Kyrgyzstan relations are currently at their best historical period. The two countries continue to strengthen their traditional friendship and mutual trust and promote the deepening of their comprehensive strategic partnership. This will not only promote the common development and prosperity of China and Kyrgyzstan, but also benefit regional and global peace, stability, and development.
Both sides emphasised that they will continue to firmly support each other on issues involving their core interests.
Kyrgyzstan supports China in fully building a modern socialist country, congratulates China on successfully completing all the goals of the 14th Five-Year Plan, and firmly believes that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, China will surely successfully achieve the goals and tasks of the 15th Five-Year Plan.
Kyrgyzstan reiterated its support for the One-China principle, recognising that there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing all of China. The Kyrgyz side opposes any form of “Taiwan independence,” reiterates that it rejects all forms of official exchanges with Taiwan, supports all efforts made by China to achieve national reunification, and believes the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 is unquestionable and beyond challenge. The Kyrgyz side firmly supports China on issues involving Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet.
China firmly supports Kyrgyzstan in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and firmly supports the efforts of Kyrgyzstan’s leaders to ensure national security and stability, safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and promote economic and social development. China firmly believes that Kyrgyzstan will achieve the development goals set out in the “National Development Outline Before 2030,” including sustainable growth, improving people’s living standards, and enhancing social well-being.
Both sides will take head-of-state diplomacy as a guide, firmly implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, and promote the comprehensive and high-quality development of China-Kyrgyzstan relations.
Both sides will further strengthen high-level exchanges, ensure the smooth operation of existing government, legislature, and local cooperation mechanisms and platforms, actively study the establishment of new cooperation mechanisms, and create new growth points.
Both sides emphasised the significance of establishing a strategic dialogue mechanism between the two foreign ministers and expressed willingness to leverage this mechanism to promote cooperation between the two countries.
2. Both sides emphasise their willingness to jointly safeguard regional security and stability, deepen law enforcement and security cooperation on the basis of strict compliance with the laws and international obligations of both countries, and strengthen exchanges and mutual visits among competent departments.
Both sides share the same position on combatting terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and are willing to continue coordinating efforts to address both traditional and non-traditional security threats and challenges, and work together to combat the ‘three evil forces’ as well as organised crime, drug trafficking, cyber fraud, illegal immigration, and smuggling activities.
Both sides will continue to deepen defence cooperation within bilateral and multilateral frameworks, strengthen practical exchanges in areas such as group visits, personnel training, and joint counter-terrorism exercises, and safeguard their common interests and regional security.
Both sides pointed out that, in the context of the global technological revolution, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity, information security, and artificial intelligence.
Both sides will actively work to ensure the safe implementation of strategic cooperation projects.
Both sides will continue to strengthen cooperation in emergency response, rescue of disaster victims, production safety, and joint drills for search and rescue personnel.
3. Both sides are willing to strengthen pragmatic cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, and development, promote the comprehensive and high-quality development of China-Kyrgyzstan relations, and foster common prosperity and the well-being of the peoples of both countries:
— They highly appreciate the fruitful achievements of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan, will continue to advance the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with Kyrgyzstan’s “National Development Plan To 2030”, and ensure the smooth progress of practical cooperation projects in various fields between the two countries;
— To comprehensively promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation, leverage the roles of the China-Kyrgyzstan Intergovernmental Economic and Trade Cooperation Committee and its subordinate working groups such as the China-Kyrgyzstan Border Economic and Trade Cooperation Working Group and the China-Kyrgyzstan Investment and Industrial Cooperation Working Group;
— Expand the scale of bilateral trade, optimise trade structure, improve trade liberalisation and facilitation, and strengthen cooperation in e-commerce and the digital economy;
— Support trade and investment promotion agencies and business associations of both countries in strengthening exchanges, and encourage official and business delegations from both countries to participate in major forums and exhibitions held by both countries;
— Strengthen investment and cooperation in fields such as processing and manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, infrastructure construction, industry, next-generation information technology, automobiles, heavy machinery, and minerals; Strictly comply with the laws of both countries and the principles of sustainable development, promote high-quality mutual investment, safeguard strategic and priority projects, hold investment forums, organise business visits, and other activities, facilitate efficient collaboration between investors and state institutions, and expand the “one-stop service” mechanism;
— Support the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, China Development Bank, and Silk Road Fund in continuing to strengthen cooperation and jointly expand investment in Kyrgyzstan within the existing investment and financing cooperation platform;
— Actively promote cooperation in the financial sector, support eligible Kyrgyzstan banks in joining the RMB Cross-Border Payment System (CIPS), study the possibility of Chinese banks opening branches in Kyrgyzstan, set up agent accounts with banks of both countries, and expand bilateral trade and investment settlements in local currencies;
— Both sides will continue to advance the negotiation process of the Agreement on Trade in Services and Investment between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic;
— Actively implement the “Agreement between the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China and the Customs Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic on the Establishment of the China-Kyrgyzstan Port Management Cooperation Committee,” jointly improve the efficiency and coordination of port inspections, ensure the smooth operation of China-Kyrgyz border ports, and create favourable conditions for trade growth between the two countries and the region. Both sides will dynamically adjust working hours at the Ilkeshtan and Tuergat ports based on actual cargo clearance and customs clearance at the ports;
— Promoting cooperation in the customs field between the two countries. Promote the interconnection of the “single window” mechanism, introduce modern customs supervision and automated customs management mechanisms, strengthen cooperation in animal and plant inspection and quarantine, promote mutual trade, enhance transparency in import and export business, and improve customs supervision levels;
— Tapping into agricultural cooperation potential and expanding access for high-quality Kyrgyz agricultural products exported to China. Support Kyrgyzstan’s grain exports to China through existing ports, promoting China-Kyrgyzstan agricultural product trade;
— Strengthen cooperation in transportation and logistics, build stable and smooth transportation corridors, and create favourable conditions for opening new direct and transfer routes. Support the opening of new air routes between the two countries;
— Agreed to accelerate the study of the “Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic on International Road Transport”;
— Ensure the smooth and timely implementation of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, creating mutually beneficial conditions to guarantee project throughput and efficiency;
— Accelerate infrastructure construction at the China-Kyrgyzstan Biedeli Port and the Barskoen-Bedieli-Wushi-Aksu highway, striving to achieve the official opening and operation of the Biedeli Port’s passenger and freight functions as soon as possible;
— Strengthen cooperation in the energy sector to ensure the stability of the fuel and energy complex production and supply chain. Strengthen cooperation in joint extraction of oil, gas, and coal, deepen cooperation in wind, solar, and hydropower sectors, and ensure the stable operation of corresponding infrastructure and the smooth transportation of energy resources. Support joint projects in the renewable energy sector for enterprises from both countries;
— Expand cooperation in climate change response and natural disaster prevention.
4. Both sides firmly believe that people-to-people cooperation is a long-term and important foundation for enhancing mutual understanding and good-neighbourly friendship between the peoples of China and Kyrgyzstan. They are willing to further strengthen cooperation in fields such as culture, healthcare, poverty reduction, sports, media, film production, and youth, and to promote exchanges and cooperation between research and archival institutions of both countries.
Both sides will continue to deepen cooperation in the field of education, strengthening collaboration in higher education, vocational education, language teaching, teacher education, teacher-student exchanges, and joint training of outstanding engineers and other experts. They welcome the establishment of the Zhongji Excellence Engineer Academy.
Both sides will continue to strengthen cooperation in the field of science and technology, leverage the role of the China-Kyrgyzstan Science and Technology Cooperation Committee, implement joint research projects, build cooperation platforms such as joint laboratories, and support exchanges and visits among young scientists from both sides.
Both sides are willing to deepen cooperation among research institutions of both countries, support expert exchanges, regular consultations, and other activities, and conduct joint analytical research on priority areas of cooperation such as regional security, sustainable development, green growth, and digital transformation.
China highly praised the Issyk-Kul Forum Anniversary Conference held in Jobon-Atta city, named after Aitmatov, which promoted Kyrgyz writer and thinker Aitmatov’s ideas on humanism and mutual understanding and unity.
Both sides are willing to further strengthen medical and health cooperation, fully leverage the role of the Health Express China-Kyrgyzstan Blindness Prevention Cooperation Centre, and promote cooperation projects to benefit more Kyrgyz people.
China welcomes the hosting of the Sixth World Nomadic Games in Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz side thanked the Chinese delegation for their active participation in the event and looks forward to China’s continued participation. China supports Kyrgyzstan’s initiative to promote nomadic civilisations and traditional culture as important components of global cultural diversity.
Both sides believe that respecting the history, culture, and traditions of both peoples is of great significance. They will carry out academic exchanges and joint historical research, actively interpret historical truths, prevent distortions, and protect the historical and cultural heritage of both peoples.
Both sides will further deepen cooperation in policy dialogue in the field of broadcasting and television, program production and broadcasting, new technology application, talent cultivation, and large-scale bilateral multilateral events, jointly telling the story of China-Kyrgyzstan friendship.
Both sides are willing to expand local cooperation and deepen cooperation and exchanges in various fields between provinces, prefectures, and municipalities of both countries.
Both sides will strengthen tourism cooperation, orderly increase the number of tourists travelling between the two countries, and are willing to continue creating safe and favourable conditions for citizens of both countries to travel.
Both sides will continue to facilitate visa policies.
Both sides will continue the positive momentum of cooperation within the framework of the Treaty between China and Kyrgyzstan on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
5. In the face of current global challenges, both sides will firmly defend the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Both sides are committed to promoting equal and orderly world multipolarity and inclusive economic globalisation, opposing all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, calling for genuine multilateralism, advancing the democratisation of international relations, and jointly safeguarding international fairness and justice. Both sides will strengthen coordination within the UN framework, maintain cooperation on issues of common concern in multilateral settings, and promote the construction of a more just and reasonable global governance system.
The Kyrgyz side highly appreciates and supports China’s concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity, as well as the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilisation Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative. These concepts and initiatives are of great significance for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and safeguarding world security and development.
China congratulates Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027-2028 and will support Kyrgyzstan’s efforts during its term to consolidate world peace and security, promote multilateralism, and defend the rule of international law.
China welcomes Kyrgyzstan’s accession to the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation to jointly advance global AI cooperation and the pragmatic development of bilateral cooperation.
China welcomes Kyrgyzstan’s joining the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), and both sides are willing to strengthen cooperation in the field of mediation and jointly promote the IOMed’s active role in peacefully resolving international disputes and fostering friendly cooperation among member states.
Both sides pointed out that the two countries have made important contributions to the establishment of the “Shanghai Five Mechanism” and the establishment and development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, reaffirming their willingness to consolidate the SCO’s role as the most important platform for maintaining regional security, stability, and sustainable development.
The Kyrgyz side highly appreciated the importance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Tianjin Summit in promoting high-quality organisational development and expressed willingness to continue implementing the consensus reached together with China.
China highly praised the work done by Kyrgyzstan during its 2025-2026 SCO rotating presidency under the slogan “25th Anniversary of the SCO: Joining Hands for Sustainable Peace, Development, and Prosperity.” It pointed out the great significance of the Bishkek Declaration and emphasised that as the chair, Kyrgyzstan has played a significant coordinating role in continuously advancing joint initiatives, uniting member states, and deepening solidarity and pragmatic cooperation among them.
Both sides expressed satisfaction that important progress has been made in establishing the SCO Development Bank, emphasising accelerating the preparation process to ensure the bank is put into operation as soon as possible, helping to deepen economic cooperation, expanding project financing support, promoting regional development, prosperity, and unity, and consolidating regional security and stability. Both sides will continue to actively advance these efforts.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of promptly establishing a centre to combat transnational organised crime under the SCO Comprehensive Centre for Addressing Security Threats and Challenges in Bishkek. Both sides believe that establishing the centre will improve the efficiency of cooperation in countering transnational organised crime, separatism, and extremism, ensuring regional security and stability.
Both sides highly appreciate the important role the China-Central Asia mechanism plays in strengthening cooperation between China and Central Asian countries and are willing to enhance cooperation within the framework of the mechanism, continue to hold related activities within the 2025-2026 “Year of High-Quality Development of China-Central Asia Cooperation,” and strive to ensure the successful holding of the third China-Central Asia Summit in China in 2027.
Both sides are willing to deepen cooperation in areas such as environmental protection, climate change response, and promoting the Mountain Agenda.
China positively appreciates the UN General Assembly resolutions adopted based on Kyrgyzstan’s initiative, including announcing the implementation of the Five-Year Outline for Mountain Development from 2023 to 2027, establishing “World Snow Leopard Day,” and supporting Kyrgyzstan in hosting the 2nd Bishkek+25 Global Mountain Summit in 2027.
6. Both sides believe that this meeting between the two heads of state is of great significance for promoting the high-quality development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kyrgyzstan in the new era. The two heads of state will maintain regular communication to provide strategic guidance for the high-quality development of the China-Kyrgyzstan New Era Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
7. President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China expressed heartfelt thanks to President Zhaparov of the Kyrgyz Republic and the people of Kyrgyzstan for their warm and friendly reception to the Chinese delegation, and invited President Zhaparov to visit China at his convenience.
Treaty of Permanent Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Kyrgyz Republic
August 31 (MFA) – The People’s Republic of China and the Kyrgyz Republic (hereinafter referred to as the “Contracting Parties”),
Based on the historical tradition of good-neighbourly friendship between the peoples of both countries and the vigorous development of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations,
Believe that the “Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Kyrgyz Republic,” signed on June 24, 2002, plays an important role in China-Kyrgyz relations,
Firmly believe that further strengthening good-neighbourliness, friendship, and mutually beneficial cooperation is in the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples, and helps maintain peace and stability in the region and even the world,
Reaffirming adherence to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter,
Committed to enhancing cooperation in various fields between the two countries,
Continue to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kyrgyzstan in the new era, reaffirm their willingness to work together to build a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future that is neighbourly, friendly, and prosperous,
The following agreement is hereby reached:
Article 1
The parties to the treaty, based on recognised principles and norms of international law, including mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence, shall comprehensively develop a long-term and stable strategic partnership based on permanent good-neighbourliness and friendly cooperation.
Article 2
The parties will comprehensively strengthen mutual trust and strategic cooperation, support each other’s choice of development paths and models based on their national conditions, support each other’s positions on core interests, and support each other’s economic development strategies.
The Kyrgyz Republic reaffirms its support for the One-China principle, recognising that there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing all of China. The Kyrgyz Republic opposes any form of “Taiwan independence,” reaffirms that Kyrgyzstan does not engage in any form of official exchanges with Taiwan, supports all efforts made by China to achieve national reunification, and believes that the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 is beyond doubt or challenge.
The People’s Republic of China supports the efforts of the Kyrgyz Republic to defend national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, promote national economic and social development, advance national reforms, and maintain domestic stability.
Article 3
The parties will strictly abide by the relevant boundary agreements signed between the two countries, take into account each other’s concerns, and strive to build the border into a perpetual peaceful, neighbourly-friendly border.
Article 4
The contracting parties shall not participate in any alliance or group that harms the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of the other, nor shall they take any such actions, including the conclusion of such treaties by different third countries, nor support any actions unfriendly to the other contracting party.
A contracting party shall not allow a third country to use its territory to engage in any activities that harm the interests of the other contracting party, including undermining the other party’s national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
A contracting party shall not allow the establishment of organisations or groups on its territory that harm the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of the other party, and shall prohibit their activities.
Article 5
The parties will utilise mechanisms for meetings at all levels, including high-level exchanges, fully leverage the strategic dialogue mechanism between the foreign ministers of China and Kyrgyzstan, promote the implementation of the consensus reached by the two heads of state, promptly exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern, and coordinate positions.
The parties will promote deepening exchanges and cooperation between the legislative bodies of both countries and consolidate the social and public opinion foundation of friendship between the peoples of China and Kyrgyzstan.
Article 6
The parties are willing to adhere to the principles of consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits, and to continue to strengthen high-quality cooperation in building the Belt and Road Initiative.
Within the framework of existing mechanisms such as the China-Kyrgyzstan Intergovernmental Economic and Trade Cooperation Committee and the Science and Technology Cooperation Committee, the parties shall continue to deepen cooperation in economy and trade, investment, energy, connectivity, minerals, agriculture, processing, ecology, science and technology, digital economy, green development, transportation, logistics, and other related fields.
The parties will strive to implement the consensus of the two heads of state, take necessary measures in accordance with the laws of both countries, and jointly ensure the smooth implementation of cooperative projects.
The parties will support each other’s development and provide mutual assistance when necessary.
Article 7
The parties agreed that cultural exchanges are of great significance for enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries. The parties will strengthen exchanges of governance experience and promote cooperation in culture, education, healthcare, tourism, sports, media, research institutions, and other areas of common interest.
The parties will continue to strengthen cooperation in emergency response and are willing to assist each other in managing major disasters.
The parties support deepening local cooperation and encourage the establishment of cooperative and friendly provincial, state-city, and municipal relations between the two countries.
Article 8
The parties shall, in accordance with their national laws and their respective international obligations, closely cooperate within bilateral and multilateral mechanisms to jointly combat all forms of terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as organised crime, illegal immigration, illegal trafficking of drugs and weapons, and other transnational criminal activities, including by the “East Turkestan” terrorist forces.
Article 9
The parties will continue to deepen mutual trust in defence and security, carry out military and military-technical cooperation not directed at third parties, strengthen military exchanges at all levels, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in military personnel training, and safeguard the common interests and regional security of both parties.
Article 10
The parties will strengthen communication and cooperation within the frameworks of regional and multilateral organisations and mechanisms jointly involving the United Nations and its specialised agencies, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the China-Central Asia mechanism, and others, jointly committing to promoting global and regional peace, security, and sustainable development, and advancing the construction of a more just and reasonable global governance system.
Both parties will jointly and actively practice the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity, as well as the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilisation Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative, believing these concepts and initiatives are of great significance for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and maintaining world peace and security.
The parties jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and support and uphold a multilateral trading system centred on the WTO and based on rules. The parties support placing development at the core of the WTO, jointly promoting WTO reform, and encouraging the WTO to play a greater role in global economic governance.
Article 11
This treaty does not target any third country and does not affect the rights and obligations of the parties as contracting parties to other international treaties.
Article 12
If disputes or differences arise during the interpretation and implementation of this treaty, the contracting parties shall resolve them through friendly negotiations and consultations.
Article 13
By mutual agreement, the Contracting Parties may supplement and amend this Treaty in the form of a protocol, which is an integral part of the Treaty and shall enter into force in accordance with the procedures stipulated in Article 14 of this Treaty.
Article 14
The contracting parties shall notify each other in writing through diplomatic channels that they have completed the domestic legal procedures for the entry into force of this treaty. This treaty shall enter into force from the date of receipt of the following notification.
This treaty is valid for an indefinite period.
One contracting party may notify the other party in writing by diplomatic channels to terminate this treaty. This treaty shall expire 12 months after the date of the above notice.
The Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Kyrgyz Republic, signed in Beijing on June 24, 2002, shall become invalid from the date this treaty comes into effect.
This treaty was signed in Bishkek on August 31, 2026, in two copies, each written in Chinese, Kyrgyz, and Russian, with all texts being equally authentic.
