[Opinion]China-Kyrgyzstan relations: A new era of strategic partnership
Editor's note: Djoomart Otorbaev, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a former prime minister of Kyrgyzstan, a professor of the Belt and Road School of Beijing Normal University, a member of Nizami Ganjavi International Center, and the author of "Central Asia's Economic Rebirth in the Shadow of the New Great Game." The article reflects the author's views and not necessarily those of CGTN.
At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov is undertaking a state visit to China from February 4 to 7. During their talks, a joint statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era between the two countries was signed. President Xi said bilateral relations have achieved leapfrog development in recent years and have been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.
In his statement, President Xi stressed that both sides should continue to think innovatively and emphasize the importance of the high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China is prepared to expand its economic, trade and investment collaboration, import more high-quality products from Kyrgyzstan and support more Chinese enterprises investing and establishing businesses in Kyrgyzstan.
Xi particularly highlighted that the two sides should persist in improving connectivity, construct the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway to a high standard and quality, simultaneously promote the modernization of existing ports, open more passenger and cargo routes and provide better conditions for the movement of people and goods between the two countries.
For his part, President Japarov remarked that Kyrgyzstan is eager to collaborate with China to implement the high-quality BRI, develop the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, referred to as the "Steel Silk Road" and enhance cooperation in industry, investment, trade, transportation, e-commerce and education, among others.
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, February 5, 2025. /Xinhua
Both Presidents endorsed enhancing cooperation within the China-Central Asia mechanism and consolidating and strengthening the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
It should be emphasized that in 2024, the trade turnover between the two countries reached a record high of $22.71 billion, even exceeding the country's GDP, which amounted to $17.24 billion in the same year.
During the meeting, both presidents paid special attention to the interconnectivity of their countries' transport and the enhancement of logistics links. In this regard, it is essential to elaborate on the review of existing projects in more detail.
In his interview with the Xinhua News Agency ahead of his visit, President Japarov specifically focused on constructing the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which began at the end of last year.
Implementing the project will accelerate the country's economic development and strengthen its role as a transit hub on the Eurasian continent. The project will also ensure the development of the internal regions of Kyrgyzstan; the new infrastructure will accelerate the development of trade, tourism and industry and improve transport accessibility in hard-to-reach areas. In addition, thousands of jobs will be created at all stages of the construction and operation of the railway.
The planned railway line will be 486 kilometers long, of which 311.75 km will pass through Kyrgyzstan. In total, it is intended to build 18 railway stations, 81 bridges with a total length of 26.1 km and 41 tunnels with a total length of 120.39 km. The length of bridges and tunnels will be 146.49 km or 47 percent of the length of the section of the territory of Kyrgyzstan. The construction of the railway is planned to last about six years.
The annual volume of cargo transportation along the new corridor is expected to be up to 15 million tons. The distance between China and Europe will be reduced by approximately 900 km. It will also be possible to organize regular passenger transportation.
The new railway corridor will become the southern branch of the Eurasian continental bridge. It will open access to Southeast and West Asian markets and the Middle East, including Turkey and the European Union. Implementing the railway construction will strengthen the interaction between East and West and the historical spirit of the great Silk Road will be revived.
President Japarov also noted that this spring, Chinese specialists will complete the construction of a unique 433 km high-mountain highway which will connect Kyrgyzstan's northern and southern regions, significantly reducing travel time.
China and Kyrgyzstan are ancient neighbors. With no access to the sea and lacking the "privilege" of being at odds with anyone, the people of Kyrgyzstan have long learned to build and cherish warm relations with everyone, particularly its neighbors.
History has unfolded so that its southern neighbor has grown rapidly, becoming the world's second-largest economy and developing at an unprecedented pace and, most importantly, expresses a readiness for harmonious cooperation. Having a powerful neighbor as a sincere and kind friend is an excellent gift from fate and history, and such friendships should be strengthened.
