Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived today in the capital of Kazakhstan - Astana, to participate in the second summit between China and the countries of Central Asia. He was officially welcomed at the airport by the President of Kazakhstan Kassam-Jomart Tokayev and other senior representatives, the “Xinhua“ agency reported, BTA reports.
In recent years, China has significantly intensified its diplomatic efforts in Central Asia - a strategic region rich in energy resources and key to trade relations between Europe and Asia. Although traditionally falling within the Russian sphere of influence, the region is increasingly actively seeking new partnerships, AFP reports.
According to information from the Kazakh presidency, Xi Jinping will hold bilateral talks before the start of the main forum, which begins tomorrow. The heads of state of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan will also participate in it.
Central Asia is of key importance to China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative (also known as the "New Silk Roads"), which aims to build transport and economic infrastructure in developing countries, including through this geographical belt.
The five former Soviet republics in the region have historically maintained close economic and cultural ties with Russia. However, they are increasingly actively seeking to reduce their dependence on Moscow - a trend that has significantly intensified since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.