Beijing: China and the five Central Asian nations have agreed to strengthen transport links and increase people-to-people exchanges, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.
The countries plan to enhance road and rail infrastructure, while also exploring the possibility of launching more direct flights between China and Central Asian capitals to ease travel and business interactions.
In a move aimed at deepening cooperation, China is also considering simplifying visa processes with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. All sides will assess the potential of opening new consular offices to better facilitate diplomatic and economic ties.
Beijing, along with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, intends to speed up the modernization of existing border ports and may invest in new facilities where needed.
The announcement follows Chinese President Xi Jinping's signing of a treaty on Tuesday designed to elevate China-Central Asia relations, with a strong focus on expanding cooperation in trade, energy, and infrastructure across the strategically important and resource-rich region.
