The first thing that attracts attention is the time chosen for organizing the state visit of the president of Kyrgyzstan to China. The two-week celebrations of the Lunar New Year are in full swing in the Celestial Empire. This is a period symbolizing renewal, the awakening of a new life - a kind of time to reflect on the path taken and make plans for the future. Does this have anything to do with the political agenda? People who know at least a little about the culture and customs of the Celestial Empire understand perfectly well that the philosophical meaning and traditions are traced in literally everything, including in determining the dates of important events.
In this context, it should be noted that the president of Kyrgyzstan is making a state visit to China at the personal invitation of Chairman Xi Jinping. This emphasizes the high status of bilateral cooperation and the trusting relationship that has developed between the leaders. At the same time, Sadyr Zhaparov had already visited Beijing in May 2023, when, following negotiations with the Chinese leader, a declaration on a comprehensive strategic partnership was signed and important bilateral agreements were concluded, including on the construction of a transcontinental railway.
The construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway on the territory of our country was launched at the end of 2024. This is a capital-intensive infrastructure project that changes not only logistics in Central Asia, but also the geopolitical landscape on the largest continent. This is part of the large transport framework of Eurasia, which will open up new opportunities for development and trade for dozens of countries along this route.
"This road is a key element of the Southern International Transport and Logistics Corridor. The volume of cargo from China is so high that the existing Northern and Middle (Caspian) routes can no longer cope with their timely delivery to consumers," expert Sheradil Baktygulov said.
However, China has been developing cooperation in other sectors of the Kyrgyz economy as well, such as the construction of logistics centers and dry ports, road construction, energy sector and agriculture. In recent years, our farmers and gardeners have been systematically increasing the volume of exports of their products to China. That is, Sheradil Baktygulov said that the space for deepening cooperation is becoming wider, from flagship projects in the transport and communications sector to expanding the range of mutually beneficial trade.
"A kind of hallmark of Kyrgyzstan is the production and supply of delicious agricultural products (honey, cherries, dried fruits, etc.). It is gratifying to note that Kyrgyzstan is increasing the volume of their supply to Chinese consumers. It should be noted that the basis of cooperation between the two countries is strong friendship and mutual support. Kyrgyzstan and China have a common goal - to intensify bilateral relations for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries. Both countries also strive to strengthen regional and international security and cooperation. In this regard, it should be noted that the state visit of President Sadyr Zhaparov to China is aimed at developing the traditions of friendship, mutual support and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation," Sheradil Baktygulov said.
According to the results of last year, the volume of direct investments in the economy of Kyrgyzstan from China exceeded USD 220 million, this is more than 5 or 10 years ago, but, of course, this is not the limit. Trade turnover between our countries is also constantly growing. In addition, given that our republic is becoming an important transit gate for China with a convenient and shortest exit to the continental part of Eurasia and in the western direction, the prospects in the field of cargo transportation will play the role of a natural trigger in the comprehensive development and growth of many sectors of the regional economy.
In addition, experts note that Kyrgyzstan and China are strengthening their partnership within the SCO, which is called one of the poles of the new world. In addition, the EAEU and China are actively discussing the integration of the One Belt, One Road initiative and the development of the Eurasian Economic Union. A large space of harmonious interaction is being built on the continent, where Central Asia, due to its geographical location, acts as a bridge, connecting peoples and civilizations.
The expert community and diplomatic circles say that the negotiations between Sadyr Zhaparov and Xi Jinping are expected to result in the signing of important bilateral agreements. However, the essence of these documents is not disclosed in advance. Everything has its time. The leaders of Kyrgyzstan and the People's Republic of China will talk about the key agreements. Judging by the busy bilateral agenda, we will witness significant decisions aimed at strengthening friendship and developing a comprehensive partnership.