Xi holds talks with Kyrgyz president

BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov held talks in Beijing on Wednesday, pledging high-quality Belt and Road cooperation for more win-win outcomes.

Xi said bilateral relations have achieved leapfrog development in recent years and been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.

China supports Kyrgyzstan in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to further align development strategies and expand experience-sharing in state governance, he said.

China is willing to continue expanding its economic, trade and investment cooperation with Kyrgyzstan and import more quality goods from the country, Xi said.

China supports more Chinese enterprises in investing and starting businesses in Kyrgyzstan and hopes that Kyrgyzstan will earnestly protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese investors.

On enhancing connectivity, Xi stressed efforts to construct the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway with high standards and high quality, renovate and modernize existing ports, and open more passenger and freight flights to facilitate the flow of people and goods.

Xi also called on both sides to create new drivers for growth by expanding cooperation on cross-border e-commerce, big data and artificial intelligence.

The two sides should run the Chinese Cultural Center, the Luban Workshop and the Confucius Institute well and strengthen subnational exchanges, he said.

Japarov said he is delighted to visit China at the beginning of the Chinese New Year and would like to extend his best wishes to President Xi and the Chinese people. He also wishes China a success in hosting the 9th Asian Winter Games.

China sets an example for the world by preserving its fine traditional culture while advancing modernization. Kyrgyzstan is willing to learn from China's successful experience, he said.

He lauded the longstanding exchanges between the two countries, noting China is a reliable friend and partner of Kyrgyzstan.

Japarov said Kyrgyzstan will continue to support China on the Taiwan question and issues related to Xinjiang and Hong Kong.

Kyrgyzstan will strengthen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with China, ensure the success of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, and advance bilateral cooperation on industry, investment, trade, transportation, e-commerce and education.

The two sides agreed to work closely to promote greater development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the China-Central Asia mechanism, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.

After the talks, the two heads of state signed a joint statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era between the two countries.

They also witnessed the signing of a cooperation plan for the Belt and Road Initiative and several cooperation documents in the fields of diplomacy, economy, trade and agriculture.

Prior to the talks, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan held a welcome ceremony for Japarov and his wife Aigul Japarova. A welcome banquet was also held for the guests around noon.