China, Kyrgyzstan eye closer ties, cooperation

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Zhantoro Satybaldiyev discussed bilateral ties on Tuesday,pledging to boost bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Since the two countries established diplomatic ties 20 years ago, they have been supporting each other on major issues concerning their core interests, and have witnessed fruitful cooperation in such areas as economy, security and culture, Wen said.

The two countries now keep close high-level contact and have deepened mutual political trust, he said, adding that China respects the development path the Kyrgyz people have chosen independently and will continue to provide sincere help for Kyrgyzstan.

China, he said, believes that the Kyrgyz government and people will make new achievements in national development and contribute to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

The Chinese government encourages Chinese enterprises to expand investment in Kyrgyzstan and welcomes more exports from Kyrgyzstan, added the Chinese premier.

The two sides, Wen proposed, should work out a plan for border area cooperation as soon as possible, boost cooperation on border crossings and customs, and raise the scale and level of economic and trade cooperation between China's Xinjiang and Kyrgyzstan.

The two neighbors should also advance the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, discuss the development of the hydropower resources of the Saryjaz river and expand cooperation in agriculture, education and culture, among other areas, he added.

As the impact of the international financial crisis on the region is deepening, members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) should enhance solidarity, deepen pragmatic cooperation and inject fresh impetus to the improvement of peace and stability, economic development and peoples' well-being in the region, he said.

It is of great importance for Kyrgyzstan to host the SCO prime ministers' meeting, Wen said, adding that China supports Kyrgyzstan's efforts and will work with Kyrgyzstan to ensure a successful meeting.

For his part, Satybaldiyev said China is a close, friendly and reliable neighbor, and the two countries share a time-honored traditional friendship and have carried out productive cooperation in politics, economy and trade, cultural exchanges and security, among others.

Bilateral relations have developed rapidly and enjoyed a broad prospect, he said, adding that his country appreciates China's assistance and support and is willing to maintain high-level contact with China and improve bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Kyrgyzstan will work with China to expand cooperation in economy and trade as well as agriculture, and press ahead with the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the joint exploitation of hydropower resources, he said.

Kyrgyzstan, he said, will work together with China and other SCO members to contribute to regional stability and development.