President Tokayev Emphasizes Xinjiang’s Role in Bolstering Kazakhstan-China Relations

ASTANA— President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the strategic significance of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in deepening Kazakhstan’s multifaceted ties with China during a meeting with Erkin Tuniyaz, deputy secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Xinjiang Committee and XUAR chairman, on March 26 in Astana, reported the Akorda press service.

“I was recently in Ürümqi and we had very good negotiations regarding the prospects for Kazakhstan’s cooperation with China as a whole and, of course, with Xinjiang province,” said Tokayev.

“We are closely following China’s economic growth, noting the dynamic development and the results that have been achieved in this process. China is one of the major countries in the world in terms of economic development. Therefore, for us, a neighboring state, cooperation is beneficial and necessary. As for Kazakhstan, we will do our best to ensure that this cooperation develops successfully,” he added.

Kazakhstan interacts with Xinjiang in many areas, including trade, industry, transportation, logistics, agriculture and tourism.

“Sino-Kazakh friendship has a long history. Under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and Your Excellency, the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative and the ‘Nurly Zhol’ economic development strategy have been successfully implemented. China and Kazakhstan have established an eternal comprehensive strategic partnership,” said Tuniyaz.