On 14 February, an important meeting was held in Bishkek to discuss key issues in the development of Sino-Kyrgyz relations. Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Mrs Liu Jiangping shared details of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparovy's visit to China.

‘The visit to China during the Chinese New Year is of special significance. This is the first foreign state visit of President Sadyr Zhaparov in 2025 and the first visit of Eurasian heads of state to China this year. The visit took place on the first working day after a week-long holiday for the Chinese people, which underlines the importance the two leaders attach to the development of Sino-Kyrgyz relations. It also testifies to the deep friendship between the peoples of the two countries and reflects the high level and uniqueness of their partnership within the framework of voluminous strategic cooperation in the new era,’ Madam Ambassador said. 

One of the key points of the briefing was to discuss the possibility of deepening cooperation in various spheres. The Ambassador emphasised the importance of the signed documents, which strengthen economic cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and China. 

The parties unanimously agreed to continue high-quality development of the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, promoting its docking with the national development programme of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2026. 

‘The signed social insurance agreements between the governments of China and Kyrgyzstan were the first of their kind in the framework of co-operation between the OSOP member countries, solving the problem of double payment of social contributions for enterprises and workers of both sides. Also signed were memoranda on the start of negotiations on an agreement on trade in services and investment between the PRC and Kyrgyzstan, as well as documents aimed at strengthening cooperation in investment in environmentally friendly minerals, green energy, artificial intelligence, digital economy and other areas,’ said Ms Liu Jiangping.

She added that the two sides will continue to expand trade in services, green trade and digital trade, with a focus on clean minerals, infrastructure, engineering construction and cross-border e-commerce. The Ambassador recalled that during the visit, protocols were signed on sanitary requirements for the export of goods such as beans, washed Kashmiri wool and chicken meat from Kyrgyzstan to China. A ‘green corridor’ will also be provided for agricultural by-products.

‘For China, importing agricultural products is always associated with strict requirements. However, Kyrgyzstan is a brotherly country for us, and therefore our market is primarily open to your country. Our representatives also emphasise this. I am sure that Kyrgyz agricultural products are high quality, ecologically clean and green goods. Already today we see that the number of products from Kyrgyzstan on the Chinese market is growing, and this trend will only increase.

After satisfying the domestic demand in Kyrgyzstan, all these goods can be exported to China. We have the largest market in the world, and any product from Kyrgyzstan will find its niche here. We only welcome such co-operation,’ the ambassador said. 
The issue of mutual settlements between the countries was also raised during the briefing. According to the data, the volume of settlements in yuan has been growing recently.

‘Last year, according to our statistics, trade turnover between our countries totalled almost $23 billion, which was a new historical record. In settlements between us, much depends on our common desire. If we decide to make settlements in yuan or KGS, it is quite possible, and everything depends on us. I am sure that the competent authorities and ministries of our countries will work on this,’ stressed Mrs Liu Jiangping. 

The two sides also agreed to deepen co-operation in housing and urban development, as well as in scientific and technological innovation, supporting interaction between research institutes, universities and enterprises of the two countries in areas such as modern agriculture, biomedicine, green economy and ecological management. 

The construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway remains an important project, which will open new strategic corridors for the region's economic development. The project's launching ceremonies were successfully held last year. The heads of state emphasised the importance of building the road to high quality standards. 

Additional checkpoints on the China-Kyrgyzstan border were also opened, and the sides are ready to accelerate the construction of infrastructure facilities for their full functioning. At the same time, additional flights are being opened at the Torugart and Irkeshtam checkpoints to improve the movement of people and cargo between the countries. Security co-operation will continue to be strengthened.

In addition, the briefing touched upon the issue of tourism. The Ambassador expressed confidence that Kyrgyzstan has all the opportunities to develop winter tourism due to its unique natural conditions. 

‘As President Xi Jinping says, ice and snow are also golden and silver mountains. Kyrgyzstan is rich in snow and ice resources and thus can actively develop the winter sports and tourism industry. The two countries have a broad prospect of cooperation in this field, and we believe that Kyrgyzstan will have new golden and silver mountains,’ said Mrs Liu Jiangping.

Summing up, the Ambassador noted that Sino-Kyrgyz relations have entered a new stage of strategic partnership, which is based on mutual trust and readiness for further co-operation. She emphasised that the future of the two countries is to build a community of common destiny, where both sides will strive for joint prosperity.