Kathmandu— Chinese President Xi Jinping announced intentions to strengthen relations with Kyrgyzstan through increased economic, cultural, and security cooperation ahead of his arrival for a state visit and participation in the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Bishkek. Published Friday in Kyrgyz media outlets, Xi’s signed article highlighted the 35th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan's independence and outlined a vision for a “China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future,” emphasizing mutual benefit and long-term strategic partnership. The visit marks Xi’s third trip to Kyrgyzstan, where he intends to collaborate with President Sadyr Zhaparov on a new blueprint for bilateral relations and contribute to the SCO's goals of regional stability and development.

Historical Foundation of Bilateral Relations

China and Kyrgyzstan share a long history rooted in the ancient Silk Road, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Xi Jinping’s article referenced historical figures like Zhang Qian, Xuanzang, and Li Bai as symbols of this enduring connection. Since establishing diplomatic relations, both nations have progressed from good-neighborly ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, consistently prioritizing mutual respect and benefit.

Economic Cooperation and Connectivity

Despite global economic challenges, China has remained Kyrgyzstan’s largest trading partner and source of foreign investment for many years. The two countries are actively collaborating on infrastructure projects designed to improve connectivity, including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the Bedel checkpoint. Chinese products like smartphones and electric vehicles are gaining popularity in Kyrgyzstan, while Kyrgyz agricultural goods are increasingly entering the Chinese market.

Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges

China has invested significantly in cultural and educational initiatives within Kyrgyzstan, establishing Luban Workshops, Confucius Institutes, and Classrooms to promote vocational skills and language learning. Medical cooperation programs like “Brightness Journey of Lifeline Express” provide healthcare services, while agreements for cultural centers aim to foster deeper understanding through art, film, and heritage preservation. Two-way visits exceeded 400,000 last year, with 30 pairs of sister provinces and cities solidifying people-to-people connections.

Shared Security Interests and Multilateralism

Xi Jinping emphasized the shared security concerns of China and Kyrgyzstan as mountain-linked neighbors, highlighting their commitment to regional stability. Both countries are founding members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and advocate for a multipolar world order based on international law. They coordinate closely within multilateral frameworks, supporting each other’s initiatives and opposing hegemonism and unilateralism. Kyrgyzstan's recent election as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council was lauded as an opportunity to strengthen this cooperation.

Future Development and Strategic Alignment

Xi Jinping outlined plans for continued collaboration in areas such as digital economy, clean energy, and artificial intelligence, alongside existing projects like the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. He stressed the importance of aligning development strategies and deepening governance experience sharing to support each other’s economic growth and national revitalization. The article also highlighted Kyrgyzstan's National Development Program until 2030 and China's own Five-Year Plan as complementary frameworks for future cooperation.

President Xi Jinping is expected to discuss these initiatives further during his state visit and at the SCO Summit, solidifying a commitment to building a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership between China and Kyrgyzstan.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.