Kazakhstan is prepared to steadily strengthen its “eternal comprehensive strategic partnership” with China, the Central Asian country’s president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, said in an exclusive interview with the Xinhua news agency.
“Our strategic partnership has become truly comprehensive,” said Tokayev. He emphasized that bilateral cooperation encompasses a wide range of sectors including trade, investment, energy, transport, industrial cooperation, agriculture, and digital technologies.
Likewise, he described the development of transport and logistics infrastructure as a strategic pillar, primarily regarding the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), which connects China and Europe.
“Our common task is to make this route as competitive as possible,” the Kazakh leader said.
Tokayev placed special emphasis on technological cooperation between both sides. He expressed that joint projects in artificial intelligence, the digital economy, smart manufacturing, and personnel training could become “one of the most important areas of the new stage in Kazakh-Chinese cooperation.”
International cooperation
Regarding international cooperation, the Kazakh leader highlighted the alignment of positions between Astana and Beijing on reinforcing the UN’s role, international law, and multilateralism.
Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan “firmly adheres to the policy of one China” and will continue coordinating with Beijing within the framework of the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the “Central Asia-China” format.
He also highlighted the growth of humanitarian and tourism ties between the neighboring countries. The head of state said that in 2025, 962,000 Chinese tourists visited Kazakhstan, a 47% increase compared to the previous year.
“We want to show our Chinese friends Kazakhstan in all its diversity – modern Astana and ancient Turkestan, the mountains of Almaty and the unique landscapes of Mangistau, the Great Steppe and the heritage of the Great Silk Road, our music, national instruments, cuisine and traditions of hospitality. At the same time, Kazakhstan is discovering China with great interest – a country of ancient civilization, which today demonstrates an impressive example of development,” Tokayev concluded. EFE