Xi’s Kazakhstan Trip Charts New Chapter for Cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Kazakhstan from June 7 to 10, 2017.

Xi held talks with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, to take stock of the achievements the two countries have made and chart the course for future cooperation. The two heads of state agreed to maintain close, high-level and institutional exchanges, respect the two country’s choices of development path and policies in accordance with their respective national conditions, support each other’s efforts in safeguarding their core interests, and jointly address the challenges to regional security and stability.

Xi was also present at the opening ceremony of the Expo 2017 in Astana. His attendance signified support not only for the Kazakh side in organizing the event, but also for Central Asian countries in pursuing development and seeking greater international standing.

The president attended as well the 17th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana. The SCO summit accepted India and Pakistan as full members in the organization’s first expansion since its founding in 2001. Welcoming the new members, Xi called on the SCO to “carry forward the fine tradition of solidarity and coordination.” He also proposed that the SCO draw up a five-year outline for implementation of the Treaty on Long-term Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, and formulate a three-year program of cooperation to fight the “three evil forces” of terrorism, extremism, and separatism.

The trip adds impetus to the building of the Belt and Road, cements the bond among countries for the community of shared future, and opens up broad prospects for peace and prosperity in the region.