"Central Asia - China" political dialogue launched

NUR-SULTAN, July 16, 2020 – Kazakh Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi participated in the first high level meeting of "Central Asia-China" dialogue. The video conference was also attended by the Foreign Ministers of China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

During the event, the Ministers exchanged views on several topical issues of international and regional agendas.

The participants stressed that the expansion of multifaceted cooperation between the Central Asian States and China on the basis of friendship, good-neighborliness and mutual benefit holds great importance for economic growth and security in the region and serves the common interests.

The primary focus of the meeting was given to close cooperation in the combatting the pandemic, overcoming its negative consequences and restoring the economies of the countries of the region. The Kazakh side expressed its gratitude to the Chinese side for providing humanitarian assistance and comprehensive support in the fight against the pandemic.

According to the participants of the meeting, forced measures that were taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 led to a significant decrease in intraregional mobility and foreign economic activity. The parties expressed their support for joining efforts in promoting regional economic integration, boosting trade and stimulating mutual investment.

Сargo transportation and transit of goods have become particularly important within the sanitary and quarantine conditions at the borders. The Chinese side, taking into account the interconnectedness of our countries' economies, declared its readiness to organize "green corridors" for Central Asian partners to ensure uninterrupted cross-border cargo traffic. The Foreign Ministers of Central Asia and China also discussed opportunities for cooperation in such growth driving sectors as digitalization, financial services, e-Commerce, smart cities and other know-how. They highlighted their readiness to establish cooperation in the scientific sphere, in particular in the production of high-tech products, as well as enhance cooperation in the pharmaceutical industry.

The Foreign Ministers decided to approve the "Central Asia – China" format and called for the continuation of regular multilateral political dialogue.

The meeting resulted in the adoption of a Joint Statement by the parties.