“Unprecedentedly high level“: Tokayev assesses Kazakhstan-China relations
Tengrinews.kz — Relations between Kazakhstan and China have reached an unprecedentedly high level. Astana intends to further strengthen its comprehensive strategic partnership with Beijing by expanding its scope and opening up new areas of cooperation. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said this in an exclusive written interview with Xinhua.
The Head of State noted that the two countries are connected not only by a shared border, but also by centuries of good-neighborly relations.
“As a well-known Kazakh proverb says: ‘Those who travel the same road share the same destiny.’ It is precisely this kind of relationship between our two countries that serves the fundamental interests of our peoples and is an important factor of peace and stability throughout Eurasia,” Tokayev said.
Tokayev also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping for his attitude toward Kazakhstan.
“Our ongoing political dialogue has become a key pillar of the Kazakh-Chinese strategic partnership,” he added.
From trade to digitalization
According to Tokayev, cooperation between the two countries has long gone beyond individual economic sectors and now covers virtually all key areas.
“Our strategic partnership has become truly comprehensive, encompassing all major spheres — from trade, investment, energy and transport to industrial cooperation, agriculture, digitalization, healthcare, science, education and culture,” the President stressed.
Kazakh-Chinese trade continues to set new records. China, Tokayev noted, ranks first among Kazakhstan’s foreign trade partners.
Transport and logistics remain one of the main areas of cooperation. Thanks to its geographical location, Kazakhstan serves as a link between East and West.
“Together with our Chinese partners, we are transforming this geographical advantage into modern transport and logistics infrastructure on a Eurasian scale. The development of the Belt and Road megaproject, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the construction of new railway lines, the expansion of dry ports and logistics terminals, and the modernization of border infrastructure are creating a fundamentally new configuration of transport links between Asia and Europe,” Tokayev said.
Middle Corridor to become more competitive
The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, occupies a special place in transport cooperation. According to the President, it is becoming an important link between China and Europe.
“Our shared task is to make this route as competitive as possible. That is why we attach particular importance to introducing ‘smart customs,’ digitizing document flows, synchronizing information systems and automating border procedures,” the Head of State stressed.
Tokayev noted that cooperation between Kazakhstan and China is gradually moving to a new technological level. In addition to traditional sectors of the economy, the two countries are expanding cooperation in the digital economy.