Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhang Xiao.
With the arrival of a new year comes renewal in all aspects of life. On the occasion of saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Kazakhstan and on my own behalf I would like to congratulate and extend sincere wishes to the readers and all those who care and support the development of Chinese-Kazakh relations!
Reflecting upon the preceding year, we discern unparalleled shifts in global dynamics and historical trajectories. Geopolitical tensions are escalating, anti-globalist sentiments are gaining momentum, and the global economic recuperation is advancing at a sluggish pace. Concurrently, socioeconomic disparities are exacerbating, compounded by the intertwining crises of climate and energy. Humanity finds itself confronted with numerous adversities and trials.
Nevertheless, it remains imperative to recognize the inexorable march of history towards peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit. The international community holds lofty aspirations for a novel paradigm of international relations predicated upon mutual respect, equity, and collaborative ventures. The ethos of a “community with a shared future for mankind” is increasingly ingrained in the collective consciousness.2023 will remain an outstanding year in the history of national development of China and Kazakhstan. Both countries have overcome the uncertainty and instability caused by the difficult international environment and have achieved outstanding success in building their countries. China fully implements the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and coordinates both domestic and international situations to promote sustainable economic recovery. China’s GDP grew 5.2% year on year in the first three quarters, faster than major economies such as the United States, the eurozone and Japan. China continues to promote comprehensive opening-up and international cooperation. Major international events such as the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, the Hangzhou Asian Games, the 31st World Summer Universiade and the China-Central Asia Summit have achieved complete success, instilling confidence and hope in a troubled world. At the same time, Kazakhstan is actively promoting political and economic reforms, fully implementing the new economic policy of “Fair Kazakhstan”, accelerating the development of the industrial system, focusing on building modern agriculture, vigorously promoting scientific and technological innovation, and has made progress towards achieving the ambitious goal of doubling Kazakhstan’s GDP by 2029.
The past year marked the beginning of another “golden thirty years” of Chinese-Kazakh relations; at the end of the year, fruitful results were achieved in the development of the Chinese-Kazakh eternal comprehensive strategic partnership.
First, the diplomacy of heads of state leads the development of relations. In May and October, President K.K. Tokayev undertook two official visits to China, participating in the China-Central Asia summit and the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. President Xi Jinping and President K.K. Tokayev engaged in cordial discussions on multiple occasions, exchanging perspectives concerning the advancement of bilateral relations, the enhancement of collaboration across diverse domains, and pertinent international and regional matters of shared concern. Both leaders reached significant consensus, culminating in the signing and publication of a joint statement delineating the trajectory for the forthcoming phase of Chinese-Kazakh relations.
Secondly, political mutual trust is strengthened. China and Kazakhstan continue to firmly support each other on issues of core interests such as protecting their sovereignty, security and development interests, and resolutely oppose interference by outside forces in the internal affairs of the state. China firmly supports the path of independent development chosen by Kazakhstan and the corresponding hosts of President K.K. Tokayev measures to build a “New Kazakhstan”. Kazakhstan, in turn, firmly supports the one-China principle and China’s position on issues affecting Taiwan Island, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and other key interests.
Third, visits at all levels are frequent and highly effective. Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov, First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar and other high-ranking officials visited China and took part in the events. Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Ding Xuexiang and Secretary of the Party Committee of the CPC of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Ma Xingrui, leading the delegation, successfully visited Kazakhstan. Cooperation mechanisms at all levels are working smoothly, the 11th Meeting of the China-Kazakhstan Cooperation Committee was successfully held, which determined specific plans and arrangements for the development of cooperation between China and Kazakhstan in various fields.
Fourth, high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road has ushered in new routes. The two countries solemnly celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed in Kazakhstan and are working together to build the next “golden decade” of high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. In the first eleven months, trade between China and Kazakhstan reached $36.87 billion, an annual increase of 31.1%. China has become Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner and fifth largest source of investment. Both countries are promoting the creation of additional railway ports and the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and have achieved another breakthrough in the development of new energy sources and e-commerce. More and more high-quality Kazakhstani products are entering the Chinese market.
Fifthly, humanitarian and cultural cooperation has brought fruitful results. Cooperation in the fields of education, science and technology, culture, tourism, archeology and other fields is developing rapidly and has many bright spots. The mutual visa-free regime between China and Kazakhstan greatly facilitates the exchange of personnel between the two countries, which will bring cooperation and exchanges in all areas to a new stage. The first “Lu Ban workshop” was officially opened and put into operation in Kazakhstan, which will cultivate a large number of professional and technical talents for the nation-building and industrial development of Kazakhstan. China and Kazakhstan signed an agreement to establish joint cultural centers, which will make the platform for interpersonal and cultural exchange between the two sides more multipolar.
Sixth, international cooperation is pragmatic and effective. The China-Central Asia Summit was a success, opening up a new historic opportunity for the development of China’s relations with Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. China and Kazakhstan continue to build a community with a shared future for mankind and join forces to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative to actively develop universal values. Both countries continue to cooperate closely through multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia to guarantee international justice and move global governance in a fairer and smarter direction. China supports Kazakhstan in fulfilling its responsibilities as the chairman country of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and will fully cooperate with Kazakhstan in holding the SCO summit.
In 2024, we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, coinciding with the inaugural year of advancing joint high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative into a new phase. China expresses its readiness to collaborate closely with Kazakhstan, emphasizing the significance of head-of-state diplomacy to harness favorable historical circumstances for the enhancement of bilateral relations. This entails elevating the enduring comprehensive strategic partnership and joint high-quality construction of the Belt and Road to unprecedented heights, imbuing them with deeper significance and broader implications. Both nations commit to forging a China-Kazakhstan community of shared destiny, characterized by enduring friendship, heightened mutual confidence, and enhanced connectivity. Together, they aspire to contribute anew towards fostering international and regional security, stability, development, and prosperity.
I extend heartfelt wishes for the continued prosperity of China and Kazakhstan, and for the enduring happiness and prosperity of their peoples. May the bonds of friendship between our two nations stand the test of time, enduring in perpetuity.
