China, Kyrgyzstan renew efforts for good neighborliness, shared prosperity

BISHKEK, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- As Sino-Kyrgyz relations are now in the best shape ever after 31 years' growth, the two nations vowed Tuesday to renew their efforts to build a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future of good neighborliness and shared prosperity.

In the latest episode of high-level exchanges between the two countries, Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday arrived in Bishkek for an official visit to the Central Asian country.

Li's visit is aimed to further deepen political and strategic mutual trust, and create more new highlights and new benchmarks for cooperation, some five months after the two countries lifted the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.

Upgrading bilateral relations "reflects the confidence of both sides in developing their relations," said Gu Wei, an associate researcher at the Institute of International Relations at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.

"In the context of Central Asian countries seeking unity and aiming to enhance autonomy and influence, Li's attendance at Kyrgyzstan's major diplomatic event not only advances cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), but also offers robust support for Kyrgyzstan," said Gu.

During talks with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov upon his arrival, Li said China and Kyrgyzstan are truly good neighbors, good friends, good partners and good brothers.

Li's visit will inject new vitality into the future growth of bilateral relations, said Igor Shestakov, a Kyrgyz political scientist.

China is actively financing infrastructure and social projects in Kyrgyzstan. Thanks to China's help, Kyrgyzstan has completed a series of important livelihood projects, such as the Datka-Kemin power transmission and transformation project and the reconstruction of strategic highways, which has enabled the country to ensure energy independence and restore the roads of strategic importance, said Shestakov.

The expert added that the Kyrgyz people will never forget the assistance from China during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And Sino-Kyrgyz cooperation attests to a genuine fraternal good-neighborly relationship, he said.

During his stay in Kyrgyzstan, Li will also attend the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO Member States.

"As an essential mechanism for implementing the SCO summit's consensus, the meeting enhances communication among member states in specific areas, promotes timely advancement of various initiatives, serves as a means of mutual benchmarking, and encourages collaborative efforts among member states while preventing differentiated development," said Gu.

"China is willing to take a leading role in promoting the construction of the SCO community with a shared future and aims to achieve stability and growth within the SCO, especially in the face of escalating challenges," Gu told Xinhua.

The Chinese side looks forward to working with other SCO members to jointly carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, and inject new impetus into regional peace, stability and development, said Li during his brief meeting with Prime Minister Japarov at the airport.

The Kyrgyz side is willing to enhance exchanges in various fields with the Chinese side, and jointly promote Central Asia's stability and development, Japarov echoed.