Distinguished officials from China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan gathered in Xi’an on March 30, 2024, to inaugurate the Secretariat of the China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism, MFA of Kazakhstan reports. This newly established body marks a significant step towards formalizing the partnership between China and the Central Asian nations.
Congratulations from Prominent Figures
Prominent figures including Wang Yi, member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Jeenbek Kulubayev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Sirodjiddin Mukhriddin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, Rashid Meredov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Bakhtiyor Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, conveyed their congratulations on the commencement of the secretariat.
The opening ceremony was attended by Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, Secretary of the Party Committee of Shaanxi Province Zhao Yide, Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev, ambassadors from five Central Asian countries to China, and Executive Director of the China-Central Asia Secretariat Wu Yingqin.
Significance of Secretariat's Establishment
Wang Yi emphasized the significance of the Secretariat's establishment, highlighting it as a consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and the heads of state of the five Central Asian countries. He underscored that the inauguration of the secretariat reflects the collective determination of the six nations to foster development and cooperation. Yi expressed optimism for the Secretariat's effective operation with collaborative support from all parties, envisioning it as a catalyst for enhancing ties between China and Central Asia.
The Foreign Ministers of the five Central Asian countries hailed the inaugural China-Central Asia summit as a pivotal moment in bilateral relations. They emphasized the creation of the secretariat as a significant outcome of the summit, expressing hope that it would invigorate cooperation between Central Asia and China.
Primary Responsibilities Outlined
Sun Weidong outlined the primary responsibilities of the Secretariat, including facilitating the implementation of agreements between the six countries' leaders, organizing future China-Central Asia Summits, facilitating ministerial meetings, and fostering cooperation in key sectors.
Wu Yingqin, the Executive Director of the Secretariat, reaffirmed the commitment to establishing clear guidelines, fully implementing summit outcomes and leadership agreements, driving cooperation in crucial areas, and achieving new milestones in China-Central Asia collaboration.
Established on the basis of the Xi’an Declaration signed in May 2023 following the China-Central Asia Summit, the Central Asia–China Secretariat signifies a significant milestone in the region's diplomatic landscape.
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