President Tokayev of Kazakhstan: The relationship between Central Asia and China has been upgraded to a permanent, "all-weather", and comprehensive strategic partnership.
The second "Central Asia-China" summit was held on June 17 at the Ak Orda Palace in Astana. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan attended the summit and delivered a speech.
Resource Advantages
"The Central Asian region holds 20% of the world's uranium reserves, more than 17% of its oil, over 7% of its natural gas, and abundant rare earth resources. In other words, the potential for cooperation in this field is enormous. We hope to activate the exchange of advanced technologies and modernize energy infrastructure. At the same time, strengthening regional energy security, promoting technological development, and diversifying energy sources are our key directions. Considering China's rich experience in the nuclear energy sector, we are willing to carry out sustainable cooperation with China in this strategic field. Relevant agreements are planned to be signed soon," Tokayev pointed out.
Geographical Advantages
Central Asia is gradually developing into a critical logistics hub connecting Asia and Europe. In 2024, the freight volume transported via Central Asian countries to China exceeded 211,000 containers, growing by 12%. Currently, Kazakhstan accounts for as much as 85% of land transportation from China to Europe. We attach great importance to strengthening transcontinental connectivity and fully leveraging the competitive advantages of the Central Asian region.
As the first link of the Belt and Road Initiative, Kazakhstan advocates aligning the initiative with key logistics routes such as the "Western China-Western Europe", the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and the "North-South" corridor. To enhance the attractiveness of the Trans-Caspian route, we are systematically advancing port modernization and digitalization, building cargo terminals, and promoting shipbuilding. We suggest considering the joint construction of a cargo terminal in the Caspian Sea's Kuryk Port with Chinese partners," he said.
Economic Development
"The total GDP of the Central Asian countries is steadily approaching $500 billion. Over the past five years, regional trade has significantly increased, exceeding $10 billion. Last year, China accounted for nearly 40% of the total foreign trade in the region, setting a record of $95 billion, of which 46% came from Kazakhstan. The bilateral trade volume between China and Kazakhstan reached $44 billion. Chinese investment has become an important driver of economic growth in Kazakhstan, totaling more than $26 billion. Currently, approximately 5,000 Chinese enterprises are successfully operating nationwide in Kazakhstan," he pointed out.
Bilateral Relations
"As neighbors, China has become Kazakhstan's permanent strategic partner and a true friend. This region with a population of 80 million and extremely rich natural resources is gradually consolidating its important position in the international relations system as well as in trade, investment, and cultural cooperation. In this positive process, comprehensive cooperation with the People's Republic of China plays a crucial role. I am very pleased to point out that the relationship between Central Asia and China has been upgraded to a permanent, "all-weather", and comprehensive strategic partnership," Tokayev said.
Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1835194484402176/
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