China will resolutely oppose any outside interference in the internal affairs of the Central Asian countries, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang said during separate talks with high-ranking diplomatic representatives of the Central Asian countries who arrived in China to attend the upcoming 4th Foreign Ministers' Meeting. of China-Central Asia Affairs in Xi'an, Xinhua reports.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu, Foreign Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbek Kulubaev, Tajikistan Sirojiddin Mukhriddin, Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov and First Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Vepa Khadzhiev arrived in Xi'an.
The Chinese Foreign Minister said that China will firmly support the Central Asian countries in maintaining national sovereignty, independence, security and territorial integrity, and support these states in independently choosing development paths in accordance with their national conditions.
In addition, China will strengthen communication and interaction with the countries of Central Asia within the framework of the UN and the SCO, and jointly protect the basic norms of international relations, the international system, international impartiality and justice.
The Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian countries noted that the development of ties with China is a priority in the diplomacy of their states. The five countries will implement the consensus of heads of state, expand high-level contacts, promote the joint construction of the Belt and Road, deepen humanitarian exchanges, and fight together against the "three forces of evil", namely terrorism, separatism and extremism, to create the next 30 "golden ” years in relations between China and Central Asia.
China's international influence is vital, and Chinese-style modernization brings new opportunities for Central Asia and the world, the foreign ministers said, adding that their countries support a number of global initiatives and proposals put forward by China, as well as China's legitimate position on issues associated with Taiwan, Xinjiang and Tibet, and oppose the politicization of human rights, the agency said.
The parties reached a broad consensus on promoting cooperation in the areas of trade, economy and investment, interconnectedness, green agriculture, medicine and healthcare, energy and mineral resources, delivery of goods through checkpoints and sister regions.
With regard to aspects of bilateral cooperation, China and Turkmenistan will properly plan relevant activities within the framework of the cross-Years of Culture and accelerate the establishment of centers of traditional Chinese medicine in Turkmenistan.
China and Kazakhstan will sign a mutual visa-free agreement to facilitate the exchange of personnel and promote the establishment of consulates general in Xi'an and Aktobe.
China will work with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan to reopen cultural centers.
China and Tajikistan will expand cooperation in the field of industrial parks and fully reveal the role of the Lu Ban Workshop project, which is the first such project in Central Asia.
China and Uzbekistan will develop a comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era and create bright points of cooperation in the areas of poverty alleviation and innovation.
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan will also work with China on the accelerated implementation of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
April 27, 2023