China, Kyrgyzstan agree to enhance ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Kyrgyz counterpart Sooronbay Jeenbekov hold talks in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, June 13, 2019. [Photo: Xinhua]

China and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to enhance bilateral relations following the latest meeting between their leaders in Bishkek.

This is the third meeting in the past two years between President Xi Jinping and President Sooronbay Jeenbekov.

The Chinese leader hailed the joint effort in promoting bilateral ties over the past 27 years.

He pledged that China's support for the Central Asian country will continue.

"China will continue to assist Kyrgyzstan in developing its economy and realise together with Kyrgyzstan its important national investment projects."

Xi Jinping called the construction of the Belt and Road the current focus of bilateral cooperation, and said both sides need to deepen the alignment of their development strategies, tap new potential of partnerships, and explore new areas of cooperation.

He also highlighted the importance of security cooperation.

"China consistently fights against any forms of terrorism and is ready to reinforce cooperation with Kyrgyzstan on counter-terrorism and security, effectively fight the 'three evil forces' of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and to protect peace and stability in the two states and the region."

Jeenbekov said Kyrgyzstan will always be "a good neighbor, good friend and good partner" of China, reaffirming adherence to the one-China policy and support for China's ethnic policies.

He vowed to enhance bilateral security cooperation and the connection of the development strategies of the two countries.

The two leaders also signed a joint statement on further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, and witnessed the exchange of bilateral cooperation documents.