At the invitation of the Chairman of the Mazhilis, the lower house of the Kazakh Parliament, Yerlan Koshanov, the Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee of China, Zhao Leji, paid an official goodwill visit to Kazakhstan from Monday to Wednesday.

During his stay in Astana, Zhao Leji met with the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and also held talks with the Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan, Maulen Ashimbayev, and the Chairman of the Mazhilis, Yerlan Koshanov.

In his meeting with President Tokayev, Zhao Leji stated that China is ready to continue working with Kazakhstan to support the mutual core interests of both countries, deepen the alignment of development strategies, and further develop high-quality cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative.

He emphasized that both countries should strengthen cooperation in investment, energy, mineral resources, and transportation connectivity. At the same time, he called for the creation of new areas of growth in sectors such as new energy, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, cross-border e-commerce, and smart cities.

Zhao Leji also stated that China and Kazakhstan should jointly ensure the successful implementation of the Year of Cultural Exchanges between China and Kazakhstan.

Strengthening cooperation in international organizations

The Chinese official also emphasized the importance of coordination within multilateral organizations and mechanisms, including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the China-Central Asia mechanism.

According to Zhao Leji, both countries should work together to protect their common interests and promote international justice and fairness.

President Tokayev, in his remarks, stated that Kazakhstan and China are truly good neighbors, good friends, and good partners.

He also emphasized that Kazakhstan continues to support the principle of one China and supports the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as the four major global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Tokayev also praised the development of cooperation between the legislative bodies of both countries, which he said plays an important role in strengthening friendship between Kazakhstan and China.

The important role of parliamentary diplomacy

During his meetings with the Chairman of the Senate, Maulen Ashimbayev, and the Chairman of the Mazhilis, Yerlan Koshanov, Zhao Leji emphasized that exchanges and cooperation between legislative bodies are an integral part of China-Kazakhstan relations.

According to him, the parliaments of both countries should share experiences in areas such as the development of democracy and the rule of law, improving the quality of legislation, and other areas that can support national development.

Maulen Ashimbayev stated that China has become a significant pillar of global stability and an important engine of world economic growth. He added that Kazakhstan will continue to create favorable conditions for the development of trade, investment, and economic cooperation with China.

Yerlan Koshanov, during the meeting, emphasized that the Kazakh side firmly supports China's position on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet. At the same time, he expressed his willingness to continue expanding friendly contacts between the parliaments of both countries.

Zhao Leji's visit to Kazakhstan confirmed the continued efforts of both countries to further develop the strategic partnership and expand cooperation in traditional and emerging areas of the economy, technology, and cultural exchanges.

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At the invitation of Yerlan Koshanov, speaker of the Mazhilis, the lower house of Kazakhstan