ASTANA, July 3 – China supports Kazakhstan in joining BRICS, playing the role of a middle power on the international stage and making its due contribution to global governance, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday in Astana.
Xi made the remarks at a press conference with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev following their talks.
The talks with the Kazahk president were amicable, friendly and fruitful, Xi told reporters.
The two countries have set a new goal of doubling two-way trade at an early date, said the Chinese president.
The two sides agreed to continuously deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as economy, trade, investment, production capacity, interconnectivity and energy, he said.
The two nations will also foster new growth points for cooperation in critical minerals, new energy, scientific and technological innovation, aerospace, digital economy and other fields, Xi said.
China was Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner in 2023, with two-way trade up 32 percent year-on-year to reach $41 billion. Key exports from Kazakhstan to China include crude oil, metals and agricultural products, and China has supplied Kazakhstan with machinery, electronics, and consumer goods.
Xi also said on Wednesday that China and Kazakhstan are companions on the path to modernization.
The Chinese president said that he and his Kazakh counterpart agree that both countries are at a critical stage of development and revitalization.
