Qin Gang Hosted the Fourth Meeting of Chinese Central Asian Foreign Ministers

On April 27, 2023, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang presided over the fourth meeting of Chinese Central Asian Foreign Ministers in Xi'an, with the attendance of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nurtrev of Kazakhstan, Foreign Minister Kurubayev of Kyrgyzstan, Foreign Minister Mukhridin of Tajikistan, Foreign Minister Saidov of Uzbekistan, and First Deputy Foreign Minister Hajiyev of Turkmenistan.
Qin Gang said that China and Central Asian countries are good neighbors, good friends, good partners, and good brothers with a shared destiny.   Last year, the heads of state of the six countries jointly announced the creation of a community with a shared future between China and Central Asia, and the mechanism for cooperation between China and Central Asia emerged. The strategic mutual trust between the two sides has reached a new level, mutually beneficial cooperation has added new momentum, friendly exchanges have entered a new stage, and China's Central Asian relations and regional development have shown unprecedented vitality.
Qin Gang stated that the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. Unity is strength. The more chaotic the world is and the more complex the situation is, the more we need to maintain composure, strengthen unity, and enhance cooperation. We should continue to firmly support each other on issues related to each other's core interests, and always be friends and partners who share our hearts and trust with each other. We should jointly build the "the Belt and Road" with high quality, expand high-tech cooperation, and increase exchanges of experience in governance. We need to increase the crackdown on the "three forces" and jointly build a regional security protection network. We must firmly oppose any force interfering in the internal affairs of regional countries under any pretext, making Central Asia a pure land of cooperation and win-win results, rather than a battlefield of geopolitical games. We should work together to build the "Cultural Silk Road", cultivate high-quality talents, and expand local, medical, and media exchanges and cooperation. We need to strengthen multilateral cooperation, jointly promote the development of the international order towards a more just and reasonable direction, and make contributions from China and Central Asia to jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind and promote world peace and development.
The foreign ministers made comprehensive political preparations for the upcoming China China Asia Summit, stating that Central Asia China cooperation has played an important role in consolidating strategic mutual trust, accelerating respective development, promoting connectivity, and maintaining common security. It has also set a model for mutually beneficial cooperation among countries. The summit will undoubtedly open a new chapter in Central Asia China relations, bringing new opportunities for the transformation and development of Central Asian countries and enhancing regional influence. We will work closely with China to ensure the successful summit. Central Asian countries are highly aligned with China's traditional concept of good neighborliness and friendship, and their destiny is closely related. They look forward to conducting comprehensive and full industry chain cooperation and creating an authoritative cooperation platform.
The foreign ministers are concerned about the current complex situation and geopolitical conflicts, emphasizing the need to build bridges instead of walls.   All parties support China's initiative to promote peace talks and advocate for following the spirit of international law and resolving conflicts through diplomatic means. We are willing to strengthen coordination with China and work together to promote universal security, lasting peace, and sustainable development in the region.
After the meeting, the foreign ministers jointly signed and issued a press release for the meeting.
The China China Asia Summit will be held in May in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province.