China, Kyrgyzstan agree to enhance ties to new heights

BISHKEK -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Kyrgyz counterpart, Sooronbay Jeenbekov, held talks here Thursday, agreeing to take their countries' comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.

Xi arrived in the Central Asian country Wednesday for a state visit and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

China-Kyrgyzstan relations have withstood the test of international vicissitudes and achieved leapfrog development over the past 27 years since the establishment of the diplomatic relationship. The two countries have set a fine example of a new type of state-to-state relations featuring mutual respect, equality and win-win cooperation, Xi said.

China will continue to support Kyrgyzstan's own choice of development path and all policy measures taken by the Kyrgyz government to safeguard national independence, sovereignty and security, Xi said.

Xi also said China is ready to join hands with Kyrgyzstan to deepen their traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to better benefit the two peoples.

The Chinese president stressed that jointly building the Belt and Road has become the focus of China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation, calling on the two countries to deepen the alignment of their development strategies, tap new potential of partnerships and explore new space of cooperation.

Cooperation in trade and investment should be expanded and major programs must be well implemented, Xi said, adding that China is willing to import more green and quality agro-products from Kyrgyzstan.

China will continue to support Kyrgyzstan's economic and social development, including jointly building drinking water facilities, roads, hospitals and other projects to improve people's livelihood.

Xi also called for closer people-to-people and sub-national exchanges.

Amid efforts to enhance security cooperation, the two countries should step up fight against the "three forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, transnational organized crime and drug trafficking, Xi said.

On the SCO, Xi said China applauds Kyrgyzstan's efforts to promote cooperation in various fields since taking over the rotating presidency of the SCO.

China supports Kyrgyzstan in hosting the Bishkek summit, which will be held on Friday, and encourages the SCO member states to gather more consensus, tap potential of cooperation and build a community with a shared future that benefits all sides, Xi said.