Kathmandu— Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov signed a bilateral treaty on permanent good-neighborliness, friendship, and cooperation during talks held in Bishkek on August 31, 2026. The visit came as the two countries are experiencing a 'golden period' of rapid development in their relations, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of deepening practical cooperation and expanding bilateral ties.

Deepening Trust and Shared Future

The visit coincides with Kyrgyzstan's 35th anniversary of independence. Xi Jinping extended greetings to Japarov on this occasion, noting that China-Kyrgyzstan relations have achieved leapfrog development under the joint guidance of both leaders. He highlighted the importance of high-level political mutual trust and firm mutual support in ensuring steady and sustained development of their bilateral ties. Xi also emphasized Kyrgyzstan's commitment to the one-China principle and its readiness to further develop good-neighborly and friendly relations with China based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit.

Expanding Practical Cooperation

Xi urged both countries to deepen practical cooperation by effectively implementing the intergovernmental economic and trade cooperation plan. He called for diversifying trade products and developing new growth areas such as digital trade and cross-border e-commerce. Xi also emphasized the importance of ensuring high-quality construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, modernizing border ports, and deepening 'soft connectivity' in institutions, standards, and rules. The two sides agreed to launch more landmark projects in renewable energy, resource recycling, and other fields.

Joining Hands for Peace and Development

Xi Jinping emphasized the need for expanded cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan in law enforcement and security to combat terrorism, extremism, separatism, drug trafficking, and transnational crimes. He also noted that China supports Kyrgyzstan's role in international and regional affairs and is willing to enhance collaboration within frameworks such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Japarov echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of working together on multilateral platforms to safeguard world peace and stability.

The signing of the bilateral treaty provides an important legal foundation for everlasting friendship and firm mutual support between China and Kyrgyzstan. The two sides also signed over 20 cooperation documents covering various fields including science, technology, education, culture, and media.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.