China, Kyrgyzstan vow to boost agricultural co-op

BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev and Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu agreed Monday that the two countries will enhance economic cooperation, especially in agriculture and infrastructure construction.

China-Kyrgyz relations have grown rapidly in recent years, Hui told Atambayev during their talks. Political mutual trust has been consolidated, economic cooperation deepened and security cooperation has been fruitful, he said.

The two countries support each other on issues concerning their core and major interests, keep close coordination in international affairs, and have become truly good neighbors, friends and partners, Hui said.

China highly values its ties with Kyrgyzstan and supports the development path chosen by Kyrgyzstan itself, he said.

China is willing to work with Kyrgyzstan to continue to advance bilateral cooperation in various fields within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

China appreciates Kyrgyzstan's role in and contribution to the SCO, and will fully support Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship of SCO this year, the Chinese official said.

"We are willing to strengthen pragmatic cooperation in trade and economy, further enhance cooperation in fields such as transportation, electricity, agriculture and water conservancy," Hui said.

Atambayev said that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and China.

Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to its relations with China and views the development of Sino-Kyrgyz relations as a priority in its foreign policy, he said.

The Kyrgyz government and people are very grateful to the support offered by China these years, he said, noting Kyrgyzstan is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in such fields as security, trade and economy and the SCO.

He said that through reform and opening-up, China has made remarkable achievements in various fields, including agriculture. Kyrgyzstan is willing to learn from China's experience and welcomes Chinese investment in his country, he said.

Hui is here for a visit after wrapping up his tours to the Republic of Congo and Tanzania. He will also travel to Uzbekistan.