China and Kazakhstan sign 24 cooperation deals ahead of regional summit in Astana

China and Kazakhstan on Monday (16 June) signed 24 intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements aimed at expanding cooperation across a broad range of sectors, setting the stage for closer bilateral ties ahead of the 2nd Central Asia–China Summit in Astana.

The agreements were formalized following talks between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping, as Kazakhstan prepares to host the high-level regional gathering this week.

According to a statement from Kazakhstan’s Presidential Press Office, the newly signed agreements cover cooperation in energy, aerospace, digitalization, agriculture, tourism, medicine, media, and science. Key pacts were also reached on investment promotion and protection, as well as technical and economic collaboration at the intergovernmental level.

Deepening strategic partnership

During their meeting, President Tokayev praised the "unprecedented" pace of cooperation between the two nations, attributing the momentum to Xi’s personal support. He described China as a "good neighbour, close friend, and reliable partner of Kazakhstan."

“China never sets political conditions in cooperation with Kazakhstan. We appreciate your continued support for our sovereignty and security guarantees,” Tokayev said, also voicing support for Beijing’s international peace initiatives.

Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s plan to build "at least two or three" nuclear power plants and invited Chinese participation, naming China National Nuclear Corporation as a "reliable strategic partner" with proven global expertise.

Xi: Ties remain strong amid global challenges

President Xi emphasized that Chinese-Kazakh relations had “stood the test of the changing world situation” and continued to develop robustly.

“I am ready to work with you to steadily strengthen the friendship between China and Kazakhstan and advance our multifaceted cooperation hand in hand,” Xi said, underlining the importance of aligning development strategies and supporting each other’s core interests.

Xi also called for upholding genuine multilateralism and advancing the shared goals of the broader developing world, positioning the China-Kazakhstan relationship as a stabilizing force in the region and a model for international cooperation.

The bilateral engagements in Astana underscore China’s deepening involvement in Central Asia, both strategically and economically, as it seeks to strengthen regional ties under the broader framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The China-Central Asia Summit, scheduled to begin Tuesday, is expected to reinforce this momentum, with leaders from across the region gathering to discuss connectivity, security, and sustainable development.

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