President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov met with President of China Xi Jinping in Astana. During the meeting, the heads of state discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation, implementation of agreements at the highest level and joint projects in various fields. The press service of the President reports.
In addition, Sadyr Japarov outlined the project for the construction of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which is a key component of One Belt, One Road initiative and emphasized its importance as a symbol of cooperation between the countries.
«The President stressed that the political stage of the project was successfully completed with the signing of a trilateral intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in joint promotion of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, and the next step is the approval of a more detailed commercial agreement,» the statement says.
Sadyr Japarov also raised the issue of the opening of a new Bedel checkpoint this year on Kyrgyzstan-China border and the subsequent construction of Barskoon — Uchturfan — Aksu road.
The President noted with satisfaction that the opening of Bedel checkpoint was included in the Chinese government’s plan for 2024 and that the completion of the internal procedures of the Chinese side is expected.
At the same time, Sadyr Japarov added that the relevant departments of Kyrgyzstan are already working on drawing up a feasibility study for Barskoon — Uchturfan — Aksu road, agreed upon by the working groups of both countries during joint studies.
During the meeting, Sadyr Japarov invited Xi Jinping to visit Kyrgyzstan at a time convenient for him.
In turn, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted that China is interested in developed Kyrgyzstan and supports the country in ongoing reforms. The Chinese side is ready to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in all areas.
He also noted the importance of doubling mutual trade and the openness of Chinese markets for import of organic products from Kyrgyzstan.
The volume of mutual trade turnover is increasing from year to year, having reached about $20 billion by the end of 2023. It is important to make efforts to increase trade and economic indicators.
At the same time, the Chinese leader noted with satisfaction the increase in the number of flights between the two countries, noting readiness to support the opening of air service on Osh-Kashgar route. He also noted that freight and passenger transportation between China and Kyrgyzstan has reached pre-pandemic levels.
Speaking about the project on construction of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the President of the People’s Republic of China noted that the recent signing of a trilateral intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in promoting this project has created a legal basis.
Xi Jinping also invited Sadyr Japarov to visit China at a time convenient for him.
Following the meeting, documents were signed on expanding cooperation in the field of export of agricultural products, regional cooperation and the mass media.
