Wang Yi Speaks with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi on the Phone

On January 10, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi.

Wang Yi said that my phone conversation with you today is to indicate once again that as the permanent comprehensive strategic partner of Kazakhstan, China is ready to firmly support Kazakhstan in maintaining stability and curbing violence at a critical moment when the future and destiny of Kazakhstan are at stake. Wang Yi stressed that three days ago, President Xi Jinping sent a verbal message to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, publicly expressing support, which fully reflects the high level of permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan, and once again confirms the deep friendship between the two countries in times of crisis. China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important political consensus reached by the two heads of state, and is willing to do its best to provide Kazakhstan with necessary support and assistance.

Tileuberdi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Xi Jinping who sent the important verbal message to President Tokayev when Kazakhstan was in crisis and took the lead in expressing support to President Tokayev and the Kazakh people. Today is the National Day of Mourning in Kazakhstan, and the Chinese Foreign Minister's call once again demonstrates China's firm support for and brotherly friendship with Kazakhstan.

Tileuberdi introduced the details and the latest developments of the situation in Kazakhstan, saying that Kazakhstan has been subjected to well-planned terrorist attacks, which suddenly broke out simultaneously in many places and thousands of law enforcement officers, military police and medical personnel were attacked. We have taken timely and decisive measures. The situation is under effective control and peace and tranquility are being restored now. Kazakhstan will fully guarantee the security of foreign institutions and personnel as well as foreign investments, and continue to fulfill its international obligations and agreements.

Wang Yi said that on this National Day of Mourning in Kazakhstan, China would like to pay tribute to the frontline law enforcement officers who died in the fight against violence and terrorism in Kazakhstan, and express our condolences and sympathies to the innocent people and the injured. At this moment, the Chinese government and people stand firmly together with the government and people of Kazakhstan. As a saying goes, "Rainbow comes after a storm". We believe that under the strong leadership of President Tokayev, Kazakhstan will be able to fully restore peace and stability and overcome this "darkest hour", and Kazakhstan will be even more resilient and stronger.

Wang Yi said that the sudden chaos in Kazakhstan shows that Central Asia is still confronted with severe challenges, and once again reveals that certain external forces do not want peace and tranquility in our region. As a neighboring country, we hope more than anyone else that Central Asia will maintain long-term stability and achieve development and revitalization. Wang Yi proposed that China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan in law enforcement and security sectors, and increase bilateral cooperation in anti-interference so as to maintain the security of political systems and regimes of both countries. We will work together to prevent and oppose any attempts of "color revolutions", and jointly oppose any interference and infiltration by external forces; ensure the security and smooth operation of major China-Kazakhstan cooperation projects, and believe that Kazakhstan will effectively guarantee the security of Chinese institutions and personnel in Kazakhstan.

Tileuberdi fully agreed with China's proposal and expressed his willingness to communicate closely with China, strengthen security cooperation and jointly combat the "three forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism.

The two sides also communicated high-level exchanges between the two countries in the next stage. Wang Yi said that China welcomes President Tokayev to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Winter Games and will ensure the safety and success of the Kazakh side's trip to the Winter Olympic Games. Tileuberdi said that the upcoming Beijing Olympic Winter Games is a world event with international influence and important symbolic significance, which will promote world peace and cooperation and enhance mutual understanding among people of all countries. Kazakhstan will work with China to make relevant preparations.