BISHKEK, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev hailed China as one of Kyrgyzstan's major strategic partners in a recent interview with Xinhua prior to Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the country.
Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state and through the joint efforts of the two governments, it's believed that the China-Kyrgyzstan comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era will continue to consolidate, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples and making important contributions to peace, stability and sustainable development in the region, said Kulubaev.
Kulubaev noted that China has maintained close high-level political dialogue with Kyrgyzstan, and exchanges between the two governments and legislative bodies have continued to deepen, while interactions between local governments and business communities have expanded.
Cooperation in trade and the economy, investment, transport and logistics, energy, agriculture and other areas has also steadily advanced, Kulubaev said, adding that a number of joint projects currently under way are of long-term significance not only to the two countries, but also to the wider region.
"The construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is an important project of strategic significance. It will significantly improve regional connectivity, enhance Kyrgyzstan's transit transportation potential, and create new opportunities for trade and investment development," he said.
Looking ahead, he said the two countries have considerable potential to expand cooperation in such areas as the digital economy, high technology, green development, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and innovation.
Kulubaev spoke highly of China's development achievements over the past several decades, pointing to advances in economic and social development, improvements in people's living standards, scientific and technological progress, innovation and industrial modernization.
"China's development helps strengthen global economic and trade ties, promote international infrastructure construction, expand investment cooperation, and create new opportunities for developing countries," he stressed.
In his view, China's experience in formulating long-term strategic plans, supporting science and innovation, strengthening infrastructure construction and improving governance is of significant reference value to countries of the Global South.
This year marks the 25th founding anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Over the past 25 years, the SCO has developed into one of the world's largest international organizations and a key force in building a multipolar world order, providing a platform for equal dialogue, respect for each other's interests and joint efforts to seek solutions, Kulubaev noted.
As founding members of the SCO, China and Kyrgyzstan, together with other member states, have consistently supported efforts to enhance the organization's authority and practical effectiveness, making important contributions to its development and growth, Kulubaev said.
The 2026 SCO Summit will soon be held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Kulubaev expressed confidence that the summit will inject new impetus into the SCO's development, and provide an opportunity for member states to enhance mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation and reaffirm their commitment to the "Shanghai Spirit." ■