V China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in the spirit of mutual cooperation
On December 1, southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu hosted the Fifth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which brought together the ministers of foreign affairs of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and China, Kazinform News Agency learned from the press service of the Kazakh MFA.
The Kazakh delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu.
The event became an important platform for enhancing partnership and discussing the key issues of regional and international importance.
The sides confirmed their commitment to deepening the political dialogue, development of economic ties and strengthening the cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
The foreign ministers pointed out the importance of joint work as part of the Stability, Security and Sustainable Development of the Region concept.
The key issues on the agenda were economic cooperation, regional security, transport and logistics cooperation, climate and ecology, as well as expansion of cultural and humanitarian ties.
The participants highlighted the importance of implementation of joint infrastructure projects, simplification of trade procedures and boosting investments under One Belt, One Road initiative.
The ministers discussed the issues of upgrading the measures of fight with terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime, as well as coordination of efforts in cybersecurity.
The parties agreed to intensify cooperation in environmental sustainability, including water resources, renewable energy, and environmental protection. It was also decided to deepen the programs of exchange in education, tourism and culture for strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples.
Murat Nurtleu thanked the sides for a constructive dialogue and the possibility to discuss the new vectors for further development of interaction between the Central Asian countries and China.
“Kazakhstan views this format as the most important platform for strengthening our common future. We are confident that deepening cooperation in economy, security, and ecology will enable us to achieve stability and prosperity in the entire region,” Murat Nurtleu said.
China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi said that Central Asia remains a key partner of China in the promotion of stability and prosperity.
“Our format serves as an important platform for coordinating strategic priorities and assistance in mutually beneficial projects,” he said.
The participants also discussed the main aspects of preparations for the II Summit of the Central Asia-China format slated for 2025 in Kazakhstan.
The representatives of the Central Asian countries expressed their gratitude for the initiative to hold the meeting and highlighted the necessity of continuing this format for the implementation of joint goals.
A ceremony of sending the 5000th truck along the Tianfu-Sichuan cross-border highway and the 500th train to Central Asia became a bright example of practical interaction within the platform.
The meeting ended with the adoption of a Joint Statement by the foreign ministers. The document reflects the agreements achieved and sets a course towards further development of interregional cooperation.
The sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the Central Asia-China format in 2025 in Kazakhstan on the eve of the summit.