Astana, 1 September 2023(TD): Kazakh Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alibek Bakaev met with the Ambassador of China to Kazakhstan, Zhang Xiao.
The officials discussed a wide range of topical issues of Kazakh-Chinese cooperation in various spheres and also exchanged views on the prospects of its further development.
Adequate attention was given to the arrangement of bilateral visits and events planned for this year and to the interaction of the parties within the framework of multilateral structures.
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Furthermore, the Kazakh Minister considered making joint efforts to increase trade and economic ties.
Particularly, the important role of the development of transit and transport cooperation between the two countries, as well as the increase of non-oil exports of Kazakhstan to China, was emphasized.
Ambassador Xiao noted the importance of the issues raised and expressed the full readiness of the Chinese side for active cooperation in this dimension.
Additionally, he noted that the Embassy of China in Kazakhstan will continue cooperation to successfully organize the events planned this year.
In conclusion, the parties agreed to maintain regular contact on topical issues of strategic partnership.
Kazakhstan – China Bilateral Ties
Since the establishment of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Kazakhstan and China have successfully implemented dozens of important cooperation projects. As such, these have delivered benefits to both countries and contributed to their common development.
In May, Xi Jinping, the Chinese President expressed the confidence that the opening of the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in Xi’an will boost sub-national exchanges between the two countries. This was during President Tokayev’s visit to China to attend the China-Central Asia Summit.
Moreover, the governments of the two countries announced the signing of an agreement between them to allow for visa-free travel, as of 17 May 2023.