International: Ahead of his visit to Kyrgyzstan and attendance at the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for joint efforts to create a new chapter in the high-quality development of China-Kyrgyzstan relations.

An article by Xi Jinping, titled “Working Together to Create a New Situation in the High-Quality Development of China-Kyrgyzstan Relations,” was published on Friday by the Kyrgyzstan Daily and the Kabar National News Agency.

In the article, Xi noted that this year marks the 35th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan’s independence. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, he extended sincere congratulations and best wishes to the friendly people of Kyrgyzstan.

Xi said China and Kyrgyzstan have a long history of exchanges, with the ancient Silk Road serving as a witness to the friendship between the peoples of the two countries across generations.

He noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have consistently upheld the principles of mutual respect, good-neighbourliness, mutual learning and mutual benefit, while continuously strengthening mutual trust and deepening cooperation.

According to Xi, China and Kyrgyzstan have also consistently and firmly supported each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Xi highlighted the complementary strengths and vast potential for economic cooperation between the two countries. Despite the slowdown in global economic growth, bilateral trade and economic cooperation have maintained steady and progressive development.

China has remained Kyrgyzstan’s largest trading partner and largest source of foreign investment for many consecutive years, Xi said.

He also noted that China has implemented the “Health Express – Bright Journey” project and established a traditional Chinese medicine centre, enabling more Kyrgyz people to benefit from cooperation between the two countries in healthcare and medicine.

Last year, people-to-people exchanges between China and Kyrgyzstan exceeded 400,000, while 30 pairs of sister provinces and cities maintained close ties, further strengthening the foundation of the long-standing friendship between the two countries.

Xi said China is willing to continue supporting Kyrgyzstan’s economic development and efforts to improve people’s livelihoods.

He called on both countries to adopt a long-term perspective, focus on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and continuously enhance practical cooperation.

Traditional areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, connectivity and green mining, should be consolidated, while cooperation in emerging fields such as the digital economy, clean energy and artificial intelligence should be expanded, Xi said.

Source: Cai-Alim-Wang Haiman, China Media Group.