Chinese, Kazakhstan seek to boost cooperation

This file photo shows the Chinese national flag and the national flag of Kazakhstan. PHOTO VCG NUR-SULTAN-Kasakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe expressed common readiness on Monday to step up bilateral cooperation.

At a meeting with Wei in Nur-Sultan, Tokayev said that the two countries have become permanent strategic partners over the past three decades, and achieved remarkable results in cooperation in various areas, and will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

Tokayev said that he has often interacted with Chinese President Xi Jinping in recent years, which has caused a strong impetus to the development of bilateral relations.

The president of Kazakh believes that relations between the two countries will see greater breakthroughs and achievements.

Tokayev said that Kazakhstan attaches great importance to military cooperation with China and hopes that both militaries will continue to strengthen practical cooperation in peacekeeping operations, joint exercises, personnel training, military technology and other fields.

Wei said that Tokayev, an old friend of the Chinese people, has made outstanding contributions to the establishment and development of a permanent strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan.

This year is the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Kazakhstan, Wei said. Under the strategic direction of the two heads of state, bilateral relations have maintained a momentum of vigorous development and enjoy a bright future, setting a good example of good-neighborly friendship and mutual benefit.

China firmly opposes external forces deliberately instigating a color revolution in Kazakhstan and backs the Kazakh side in taking strong measures to safeguard national security and social stability, Wei noted.

The senior Chinese official said there should be vigilance about certain major powers interfering in Central Asia to disrupt and undermine regional security.

Wei said that China attaches great importance to and firmly supports Kazakhstan, noting that no matter what risks and challenges the two countries may encounter, they will continue to maintain regional stability and push ahead with the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

In recent years, the exchanges between the Chinese and Kazakh militaries have been fruitful, he said, adding that the Chinese military is willing to expand cooperation areas with the Kazakh side and deepen military-to- military relations between the two countries.

On the same day, Kazakh Defense Minister Ruslan Zhaksylykov held a welcome ceremony for Wei and had formal talks with him.

The two officials exchanged in-depth views on the international and regional security situations, the situation in Ukraine and the Afghan issue, and agreed that the two militaries will continue to strengthen strategic communication, conduct joint drills and training, and carry out practical cooperation.