President Xi to make third visit to Kazakhstan

Chinese President Xi Jinping will embark on a four-day trip to Kazakhstan on June 7, a senior official from the Foreign Ministry announced at a press briefing on June 5.

Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Li Huilai briefed the media on President Xi's state visit and attendance at the 17th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Heads of State Council and the opening ceremony of the Astana EXPO 2017.

Xi's third visit to Kazakhstan will help strengthen bilateral ties, Li said. "China attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations, and is willing to better connect the Belt and Road Initiative with Kazakhstan's Bright Road program," he said.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kazakhstan. The two presidents met in Beijing in May on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.