Xi, Tokayev boost China-Kazakhstan ties

In a significant meeting in Astana, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev aimed to strengthen bilateral relations across various sectors, including trade, investment, technology, tourism, and customs. The meeting, reported by China's state-run Xinhua news agency, featured the signing of cooperation agreements and discussions on enhancing multilateralism to protect the interests of developing nations.

Xi emphasized the importance of advancing cross-border railway projects and improving port infrastructure, while also advocating for increased collaboration in law enforcement and defense to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism. This meeting highlights the growing strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan.

Additionally, Kazakhstan has chosen Russia's Rosatom and China's China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to lead the construction of its first nuclear power plants, following a national referendum that supported nuclear energy development. The country aims to achieve 2.4 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2035, with Rosatom building a two-reactor plant in Ulken and CNNC constructing a second facility.

Xi also expressed support for Kazakhstan's inclusion in the BRICS group, encouraging the nation to act as a middle power in global governance. Both countries agreed to double their two-way trade as soon as possible. Furthermore, they plan to enhance cultural exchanges, with China set to hold a "China Tourism Year" in Kazakhstan in 2025 and establish a second Luban Workshop. The focus on expanding cooperation in media, think tanks, films, and television, along with fostering sister city relationships, underscores the commitment of both nations to mutual growth and regional stability.