Kazakhstan’s Silk Way and China’s CGTN discuss the upcoming SCO summit and bilateral cooperation
Silk Way TV Channel of Kazakhstan President’s TV and Radio Complex, and China Global Television Network (CGTN) held a talk show, during which the hosts, together with experts, discussed the topical issues of the Kazakhstan-China bilateral cooperation and the agenda of the SCO Summit, Kazinform News Agency reports.
The guests of the talk show included CICA Secretary-General Kairat Sarybay, Chairman of the Management Board of JSC NC Qazaq Tourism Kairat Sadvakassov, professor of Nazarbayev University Jiyang Dong, and professor of Tehran University Mohammad Marandi. Well-known Chinese journalist Tian Wei co-hosted the program together with Ainur Imangali.
On Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
Kairat Sarybay highlighted the SCO’s unique position in promoting security, stability, and sustainable development across its member states. He praised the SCO's progress in confidence-building measures, particularly in the military sphere.
CICA Secretary-General also noted that member states successfully resolved territorial disputes, transforming historical challenges into opportunities for collaboration. This foundation of trust allowed the SCO to expand its focus from security to broader areas such as economy, trade, culture, and technology.
Mohammad Marandi, a professor at the University of Tehran, believes that with the strengthening of cooperation between the SCO member countries, in the future the countries of Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, will strengthen their positions, and their importance in the international arena will increase even more.
On Belt and Road Initiative
The transformative impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was a major topic of discussion. Kairat Sarybay noted that projects like the BRI, Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and other connectivity ventures have effectively turned previously landlocked regions into land-linked hubs, boosting economic development and political stability.
Sarybay emphasized the pragmatic and voluntary nature of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which he believes has made it attractive to participating countries. He noted that the principle of voluntary participation is key, as countries are not forced to join but do so based on their own interests.
CICA Secretary-General also highlighted the mutual benefits of the BRI, stating that Kazakhstan and China have found a beneficial partnership through this initiative.
“So Kazakhstan and China found each other in that way. I believe that without Kazakhstan, China couldn't promote on a such level its global mega project. And the contrary, Kazakhstan badly needs to be connected to the world markets through the connectivity towards the east. So there are very much pragmatic ways based on the mutual interest and equal partnership,” notes Sarybay.
Jiyang Dong, Professor at Nazarbayev University, emphasized Kazakhstan's strategic position in Eurasia, likening it to a "superpower stored in a safe box" that can be unlocked through connectivity projects.
He adds that key initiatives like the Trans-Caspian International Transportation Route, Horgos port, and the Western Europe-Western China Road are essential for Kazakhstan to reach its full potential.
On Tourism and Visa-free agreements
Professor Dong highlighted the mutual visa-free agreements introduced between the two nations, which have further enhanced people-to-people contacts and tourism, contributing to economic resilience and diversification in Kazakhstan.
Kairat Sadvakassov, Chairman of Qazaq Tourism, shared insights on the burgeoning tourism industry. He noted a significant increase in Chinese tourists, facilitated by the visa-free agreement and the declaration of Kazakhstan Tourism Year in China. This mutual visa-free policy has led to a twelvefold increase in Chinese tourists in 2023, with around 400,000 visitors.
He adds that the influx of tourists and investments from China is expected to double by the end of the year, providing a substantial boost to the local economy.
Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Connectivity
Cultural ties and people-to-people connectivity were emphasized as crucial components of the bilateral relationship between Kazakhstan and China.
Professor Dong highlighted the deep cultural connections between the two nations, pointing out that both countries share a rich history of poetry and literature. He drew parallels between Kazakh poet Abai and Chinese poet Li Bai, emphasizing that these cultural exchanges are vital for building mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral relations.
