Kazakhstan and China unveil new chapter in cultural exchange

Taking the floor with her opening remarks Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aida Balayeva emphasized that Kazakhstan and China are not only friendly neighbors, but also longstanding strategic partners.

“This historical bond based on mutual interests and respect serves as a bright example of development of the two countries, moving together towards a peaceful future and strengthening international stability. This year will see 32 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and China. Our bond is based on mutual respect, peculiar to the people of East. We also have a deeply rooted tradition of seeking compromise, finding solutions in what would seem the most complicated issues and situations,” the minister noted.

In her words, cooperation and strategic relations between Kazakhstan and China have entered a brand new level in the recent years.

“Thanks to the heads of the two countries the relations have propelled to a high level of partnership, the foundation of further strengthening of good neighborliness and development of mutually profitable cooperation have been laid. Today’s event is also meaningful in the new stage of good neighborly relations given the current state visit of Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping to Kazakhstan and recent state visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to China. This, of course, gave an impulse to the development of good neighborly relations. This was mentioned in the interview of the Head of State to Xinhua News Agency and in the signed article of the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China to Kazinform News Agency, which sparked interest of expert community and wider public of our countries,” Aida Balayeva said.

Balayeva also stressed the importance of cultural cooperation, including performances of creative teams, museum exhibitions, screening of new films, unveiling monuments and opening cultural centers.

Shen Haixiong, head of China Media Group, said he landed in Astana as part of Xi Jinping’s delegation just four hours ago and expressed gratitude for the Kazakhstani hospitality.

Indeed, we attach the utmost importance to this event. I express gratitude to Head of State of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Here, on this vast territory, as we can see very nice people reside. Today, on behalf of China Media Group we’re meeting with you at this forum. I believe that this will be a kind of start of a new milestone of our relations. Kazakhstan and China are  goodneighborly nations. We have centuries-long history. The Great Silk Road passed through our territories, said Shen Haixiong.

He went on to mention that Chinese Chairman Xi Jinping for the first time put forward the idea of the One Belt, One Road back in 2013 and that Kazakhstan and China have carried out extensive work within the project over the past 11 years.

Today, we commence the third season of the 'Xi Jinping's Classical Quotes' in the Kazakh language, featuring quotes from classic Chinese works the Chairman of China quotes in his key speeches, articles and talks. This program reveals the meaning, universal value of the rich and profound Chinse traditional culture into a new age. They are classical sayings, reflecting the past, present and future of China. China promotes such values as peace and prosperity for the entire humanity as well, said the head of China Media Group.