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5th Meeting of Foreign Ministers in “Central Asia – China” Format Strengthens Cooperation

On December 1, the fifth meeting of the foreign ministers in the "Central Asia – China" format was held, bringing together the heads of foreign ministries from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and China. The Kazakh delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Mukhtar Tleuberdi.

This event provided an important platform for strengthening partnerships and discussing key regional and international issues. During the meeting, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to deepening political dialogue, enhancing economic ties, and promoting cultural and humanitarian exchanges. The ministers emphasized the importance of continued cooperation under the concept of “Stability, Security, and Sustainable Development in the Region.”

Key discussion topics included economic cooperation, regional security issues, transport and logistics collaboration, climate and environmental concerns, and expanding cultural and humanitarian connections.

The participants highlighted the necessity of implementing joint infrastructure projects, simplifying trade procedures, and encouraging investments under the “Belt and Road Initiative.” Ministers also discussed enhancing measures to combat terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime, as well as coordinating efforts in cybersecurity.

During the meeting, an agreement was reached to further cooperation on environmental sustainability, including water resources, renewable energy, and environmental protection. It was also decided to strengthen exchange programs in education, tourism, and culture to foster mutual understanding among the peoples.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mukhtar Tleuberdi, expressed gratitude for the constructive dialogue and the opportunity to discuss new directions for further cooperation between Central Asia and China. “Kazakhstan considers this format as a key platform for strengthening our shared future. We are confident that deepening cooperation in the areas of economy, security, and ecology will contribute to stability and prosperity across the region,” said Tleuberdi.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that Central Asia remains a key partner for China in advancing stability and prosperity. “Our format serves as an important platform for aligning strategic priorities and promoting mutually beneficial projects,” said Wang.

The participants also discussed the main aspects of preparing for the second “Central Asia – China” Summit, which will take place in Kazakhstan in 2025.

Representatives from Central Asian countries expressed their appreciation for the initiative to hold the meeting and emphasized the need to continue this format to achieve common goals.

In addition, a notable example of practical cooperation in this format was the ceremony marking the dispatch of the 5,000th truck along the “Tianfu – Sichuan” transboundary highway and the 500th train to Central Asia.

The outcome of the meeting was the Joint Statement adopted by the foreign ministers, which reflects the agreements reached and outlines the direction for further development of interregional cooperation.

The parties agreed to hold the next “Central Asia – China” meeting in 2025 in Kazakhstan, ahead of the Summit.

TuraNews

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