China, Kyrgyzstan to tap cooperation potential under comprehensive strategic partnership

China and Kyrgyzstan on Thursday vowed to explore more cooperation potential under their newly-established comprehensive strategic partnership.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, who is in China on a state visit and to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Qingdao Summit, in Beijing, capital of China, June 7, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

The pledge was made by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and visiting Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov at Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Jeenbekov agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries Wednesday.

As friendly neighbors with 26 years of diplomatic relations, China and Kyrgyzstan have witnessed leapfrog development in bilateral ties based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation, Premier Li told Jeenbekov, adding that China stands ready to make joint efforts with Kyrgyzstan to bear more fruits of cooperation in various fields.

Noting the two economies complement each other with great cooperation potential, Premier Li said China is willing to accelerate its exchanges with Kyrgyzstan in such areas as industrial capacity, interconnection, and finance to improve the quality and efficiency of their pragmatic cooperation.

China will increase imports of quality agricultural products from Kyrgyzstan for balanced trade ties, and will encourage its enterprises to invest more in Kyrgyzstan, Premier Li said, calling for convenience and support to be provided by the Central Asian country.

Premier Li also urged the two sides to work together within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to boost regional economic cooperation.

Jeenbekov, who is in China on a state visit and to attend the SCO Qingdao Summit scheduled to be held this weekend, said China's remarkable achievements during the past four decades have significantly contributed to the world's development.

The establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership elevates the two countries' relationship to a new height, he stressed.

Kyrgyzstan is willing to align its development strategy with China's, push forward mutual investment, speed up cooperation in processing service, agriculture, new energy, transportation, and healthcare, and facilitate cultural and people-to-people exchanges, Jeenbekov said.