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2017-June-30

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.

 

 
 
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with his Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev in Astana, Kazakhstan on June 8, 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.

 

 
 
Accompanied by President Nazarbayve, President Xi visits the Chinese national pavilion of the Expo 2017 in Astana and inspects via videolink two key hubs of China-Kazakhstan cross-border transportation on June 8, 2017.

 

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.

 

 
 
Chinese President Xi Jinping (center) addresses the 17th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO in Astana, Kazakhstan on June 9, 2017.

 

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.

 

 
 
Leaders of SCO member states and the prime ministers of India and Pakistan pose for a group photo during the 17th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO on June 9, 2017. India and Pakistan are accepted as full members of the organization.

 

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.