Chinese president arrived in Kyrgyzstan for state visit, SCO summit

BISHKEK. September 11. KAZINFORM - Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Bishkek for his first state visit to Kyrgyzstan. During his four day visit, the Chinese president will also attend the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Kazinform has learnt from Xinhua.

President Xi Jinping has been welcomed by Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev and Prime Minister Zhantoro Satybaldiyev at the Manas International airport in Bishkek. Upon his arrival, Xi Jinping said China and Kyrgyzstan have deepened their friendship since the two neighbouring countries established diplomatic relations 21 years ago. He added that there is a strong basis for the advancement of bilateral ties.

Xi said he is looking forward to a scheduled meeting with Atambayev to chart the future course of China-Kyrgyzstan relations, strengthen the traditional friendship between the two countries, and build ties. Earlier, Atambayev said he hoped the Chinese president’s visit will push forward mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in every area, and lift bilateral ties to the level of a strategic partnership.

At the 13th meeting of the Council of Heads of the SCO Member States, Xi Jinping will sign along with other leaders the Bishkek Declaration and approve a series of documents. The Chinese President said this year’s summit in Bishkek will assist in the development of the SCO, and China will work with other member states to make the summit a successful one.

President Atambayev held a welcoming ceremony for President Xi at the airport, where the two countries’ national anthems were played and the two leaders reviewed the guard of honor.

Kyrgyzstan is the last stop on Xi’s tour through Central Asia. The Chinese President has also visited Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and he attended the G20 summit in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.