Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Shanghai on the afternoon of Thursday (July 16), ahead of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conference, which is being held from July 17 to 20.
During the meeting, Xi said that relations between China and Kazakhstan continue to grow stronger, with the two countries maintaining a high standard of their permanent comprehensive strategic partnership. He noted that bilateral ties hold significant potential for expanded cooperation and long-term development.
Xi also referred to the recent 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), saying that the Party’s success stems from its commitment to seeking truth from facts, maintaining close ties with the people, fulfilling its historical mission, following the path of development, and continuously strengthening itself.
The Chinese president said Kazakhstan is advancing comprehensive reforms that represent a strategic blueprint for the country’s future. He stressed that the two nations should better align their development strategies and plans, deepen practical cooperation, and pursue shared development.
Xi called for expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including trade, energy, mineral resources, transportation, and advanced manufacturing. He also urged efforts to optimize the structure of bilateral trade, accelerate the implementation of major joint projects, increase direct flights between the two countries, and foster new productive forces.
He added that China is ready to share expertise and technologies with Kazakhstan in areas such as the digital economy and artificial intelligence.
Xi further emphasized the importance of successfully implementing the China-Kazakhstan Year of Cultural Exchange and strengthening cooperation in education, science and technology, healthcare, sports, and media, saying these efforts would reinforce the enduring friendship between the two peoples.
He also expressed China’s willingness to work with Kazakhstan to advance the country’s four global initiatives, enhance coordination within multilateral frameworks including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and jointly uphold international fairness and justice.
Following the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation agreements covering trade, transportation, media, and other sectors.
Senior Chinese officials Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, and Chen Jining also attended the meeting.
Source: Akash-Alim-Shishir, China Media Group (CMG).