Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is in Kyrgyzstan, and has met with his counterpart Erlan Abdyldaev in Bishkek. The two held talks on bilateral relations, as well as other major issues of common concern. Wang said China stands ready to support the development of Central Asian countries.
Chinese Foreign Minster Wang Yi (L) and his Kyrgyz counterpart Erlan Abdyldaev meet media after their talks in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, May 22, 2016. (Xinhua/Roman Gainanov)
"As a sincere friend and strategic partner to Central Asian countries, China supports them in seeking development paths in accord with their own respective national conditions, that will benefit their own peoples and serve their long-term interests. China supports the Central Asian countries in safeguarding their sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity as well as their legitimate rights in regional and international affairs. China supports Central Asian countries in properly resolving historical issues through friendly dialogue, in accordance with bilateral and multilateral agreements, so as to unite their efforts in safeguarding regional peace and stability," Wang said.
Wang said 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of the independence of the five Central Asian countries, adding that over the past quarter of a century, the regional countries have made remarkable achievements. The minister said that within the context of a sluggish economic recovery and growing regional security challenges, the urgent tasks facing the Central Asian countries include promoting reform and maintaining stability. He said that China supports the countries in having deeper cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
"China is willing to use the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a platform to speed dovetailing the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union. The emphasis will be on production capacity cooperation and inter-connectivity. And through facilitating trade and investment, joint efforts will be made to advance regional economic integration so as to jointly promote the development and prosperity of the Central Asian region," Wang said.