China, Kyrgyzstan agree to boost strategic cooperation, advance Belt and Road projects

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China, Kyrgyzstan agree to boost strategic cooperation, advance Belt and Road projects

China and Kyrgyzstan have reached consensus on building a community of shared future, agreeing to strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation and advance high-quality Belt and Road projects, the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said after meeting with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan on Saturday. The relations between China andKyrgyzstan have gone through some trials and hardships and have become genuine good neighbors, friends, partners and brothers under the strategic direction of the two heads of state. The 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kyrgyzstan is an opportunity for China to open up a brighter future for bilateral cooperation, Wang said. They said that the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kyrgyzstan should be pushed to a higher level. The two reached a consensus on building a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future after looking at China-Kyrgyzstan relations in the next 30 years. Wang and Kulubaev said they were ready to launch the China-Kyrgyzstan -- Uzbekistan CKU railroad, which they called a strategic project for regional interconnectivity. The first batch of Chinese expert teams arrived in Kyrgyzstan recently to start the survey relating to railway construction. The two countries will speed up other major and livelihood projects in Kyrgyzstan, such as canals and road networks. They agreed to set up new border ports to facilitate the flow of people and goods between the two countries. New growth points in fields such as ecological agriculture, e-commerce, cross-border payments, and green energy will be nurtured to build a green silk road for a new pattern of common development. Kulubaev expressed hopes for simpler customs procedures, more flights and more returnees of Kyrgyz students. He thanked China for setting up the Luban Workshop, a Chinese-aided skill and technology training project, in Kyrgyzstan, to help his country grow more professionals. Wang said that China is willing to import more green and high-quality agricultural and livestock products from Kyrgyzstan. The current trade and economic exchanges between the two countries have grown against the trend, exceeding the level prior to the epidemic. The two foreign ministers confirmed the China-proposed Global Development Initiative GDI and the Global Security Initiative for stability and development of Central Asia, in order to address regional and international challenges.