Kyrgyzstan vows closer ties with China

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with Kyrgyzstan's Prime Minister Zhantoro Satybaldiyev in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, July 14, 2013. Prime Minister Zhantoro Satybaldiyev pledged Sunday to deepen cooperation with China when meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. (Xinhua/Guan Jianwu)

Prime Minister Zhantoro Satybaldiyev pledged Sunday to deepen cooperation with China when meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Satybaldiyev said the two nations are longtime friends, and bilateral trade, transportation and mining cooperation have been fruitful in recent years.

Kyrgyzstan appreciated the help from China over the years, he said, stressing that the Central Asian nation opposes separatist movements in any form, and firmly supports China's actions to defend its national unity and stability.

Satybaldiyev said as China is realizing the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, Kyrgyzstan would like to take this key opportunity to expand bilateral cooperation in areas such as thermal power, road construction, aluminium and tourism, in a bid to achieve its own socioeconomic progress. He hoped China could give its strong support to Kyrgyzstan.

Wang said China and Kyrgyzstan are friendly neighbors with no problems existing in their relationship. China appreciates Kyrgyzstan's firm support on issues concerning China's core interests, he said.

The minister said China would like to boost mutually-beneficial cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in accordance with the latter's national development plan, enhancing border region cooperation, promoting connectivity and exploiting cross-boarder rivers, so as to bolster Kyrgyzstan's economic growth and improve its people's lives.

China will always be a faithful friend and partner to Kyrgyzstan, he added.