2nd China-Central Asia Summit Held in Kazakhstan
2nd China-Central Asia Summit Held in Kazakhstan
Leaders of Central Asia and China gathered at the 2nd China-Central Asia Summit held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.
The summit, hosted by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Palace of Independence in Astana, was attended by President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of China Xi Jinping.
In his opening speech, President Tokayev emphasized that Central Asia, with a total population exceeding 80 million and its rich natural resources, is increasingly strengthening its position as a significant actor in international relations.
He highlighted the crucial role of comprehensive cooperation with China in this process and said, “I am pleased to note that relations between Central Asia and China have reached the level of an eternal and comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Noting that the total gross domestic product of Central Asian countries is approaching half a trillion dollars and that mutual trade volume within the region is increasing, Tokayev also stated that last year the total trade volume between Central Asian countries and China reached a record high of 95 billion dollars.
Tokayev remarked that Kazakhstan continues to be China's largest trading partner in the region, with bilateral trade volume reaching 44 billion dollars.
He stated that Central Asia has become a key logistics hub connecting Asia and Europe, saying, “In 2024, the total volume of cargo transported from China through Central Asian countries increased by 12%, exceeding 211,000 containers.”
Tokayev pointed out that 85% of land transportation from China to Europe currently passes through Kazakhstan and suggested that building a joint cargo terminal with China at the Kurik Port on the Caspian Sea coast should be considered.
He also noted that Central Asia hosts 20% of the world's uranium reserves, over 17% of oil, 7% of natural gas, and significant quantities of rare earth elements. Tokayev emphasized the importance of cooperation with China in modernizing energy infrastructure in these areas.
Tokayev expressed Kazakhstan’s interest in benefiting from China’s experience in nuclear energy and stated that they are ready to sign an agreement in this field in the near future.
President Tokayev underlined that the summit reaffirmed the countries' shared interest in strengthening good neighborly relations, mutually beneficial cooperation, and sustainable development.
At the summit, the five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan—along with China signed the Treaty of Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation.
In addition, the Astana Declaration, the final communiqué of the 2nd China-Central Asia Summit, was also adopted during the meeting.