Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Meets with Wang Yi

On June 7, 2022 local time, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with visiting State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Nur-Sultan.

Wang Yi first conveyed cordial greetings from President Xi Jinping, congratulating Kazakhstan on the successful holding of a nationwide referendum on amendments to its constitution. Wang Yi said, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kazakhstan, and is of great significance for both sides to pass on the tradition and forge ahead with the ties. Bilateral relations so far have gone through many storms, made hard-won achievements and realized leapfrog development, demonstrating strong vitality. China, as a friendly neighbor and permanent comprehensive strategic partner for Kazakhstan, firmly supports Kazakhstan in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and in implementing the "New Kazakhstan" development strategy. He believes that Kazakhstan will realize lasting peace and prosperity and open up bright prospects for national development.

Wang Yi said, the strategic guidance of the heads of state is the political strength and distinctive feature of China-Kazakhstan relations. China is willing to work with Kazakhstan to well implement important consensuses reached by the two heads of state, steadfastly guided by the vision of everlasting friendship, take great care of bilateral relations, and promote cooperation in various fields, so as to push the China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership to new levels.

Tokayev recalled with pleasure his important and successful meeting with President Xi Jinping in February this year, and asked Wang Yi to convey sincere greetings and best wishes to President Xi Jinping, wishing the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China a complete success. Tokayev said, since the establishment of Kazakhstan-China diplomatic ties 30 years ago, bilateral relations have maintained positive momentum, and close exchanges have been made between various departments at different levels. China's support and cooperation play a vital role in Kazakhstan's political security, national stability and economic development. Kazakhstan gives priority to its relations with China in its foreign policy and is committed to constantly enriching the dimensions of bilateral relations. Kazakhstan is willing to strengthen the Belt and Road cooperation, push economic and trade investment to a higher level, and expand cooperation in agriculture, transportation, logistics, energy, tourism, people-to-people exchanges and other fields, so as to achieve mutual benefits and win-win results.

Tokayev said that Kazakhstan and China share the same stance and common language on major international issues. Kazakhstan speaks highly of China's important influence and constructive role in international affairs and fully agrees with and supports the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. These initiatives, which are very important and timely, will be conducive to bridging the deficit in global peace, governance, trust and development. Kazakhstan also appreciates China's initiative to build four partnerships of solidarity, development, security and civilization with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and is willing to take an active part in it.

Wang Yi said, China and Kazakhstan take the lead in the Belt and Road cooperation, which has scored fruitful results. China is ready to strengthen strategic synergy with Kazakhstan, expand cooperation areas, establish a new batch of quality cooperation projects that benefit the two peoples, chart the medium- and long-term development plan for economic and trade cooperation, negotiate a new version of the investment protection agreement, increase the throughput of goods at ports, diversify transportation routes, speed up the feasibility study of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor and strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges to consolidate public and social support for the friendship between the two countries.

The two sides also exchanged views on Central Asia cooperation and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) cooperation. Wang Yi appreciated the important role Kazakhstan has been playing in preparing for the third China+Central Asia (C+C5) foreign ministers' meeting, adding that China is ready to jointly build an efficient regional cooperation platform and enhance unity and cooperation between China and Central Asian neighbors. China also supports the Kazakh side in playing its role as CICA chair and successfully hosting the sixth summit of the CICA.

Both sides expressed deep concerns about the serious spillover impacts of the Ukraine crisis. Wang Yi stressed, China has played a constructive role in promoting peace talks. Under the current circumstances, the region should be on guard against attempts by forces outside the region to draw regional countries into major power conflicts and force them to take sides. China hopes that Central Asian countries will stand firm, eliminate interference, strengthen coordination, cooperate in good faith and safeguard regional peace and stability. China has never sought geopolitical interests in Central Asia, and never allows non-regional forces to stir up trouble in the region. Tokayev appreciated China's just position, and expressed the willingness to maintain close and timely communication and stay committed to the settlement of disputes through peaceful means.

On the same day, Wang Yi held talks with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi and jointly met the press.