ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 25, 2025 — The China-Central Asia Cooperation Development Forum and the Third Silk Road International Communication Forum took place in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Sunday.

Approximately 240 representatives from media outlets, think tanks, cultural organizations, and businesses from China and Central Asia participated in detailed discussions on topics such as strengthening Silk Road cooperation.

At the opening ceremony, Arman Kyrykbayev, an aide to the Kazakh president, conveyed a congratulatory message from Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Tokayev mentioned in his message that President Xi Jinping and the leaders of the five Central Asian nations recently attended the second China-Central Asia Summit, which was a resounding success.

He stated that the China-Central Asia Cooperation Development Forum and the Third Silk Road International Communication Forum are vital platforms for fostering dialogue and cultural exchange between Central Asian countries and China. Tokayev voiced his belief that the event would further enhance exchanges and collaboration between the two sides across various sectors.

In his keynote address, Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, emphasized President Xi’s strong focus on China-Central Asia cooperation and development. He noted that a stable, prosperous, harmonious, and interconnected Central Asia holds immense significance for the world.

Fu added that Xinhua is eager to collaborate with media organizations and think tanks from Central Asian countries to enhance media exchanges and deepen cooperation in areas like news reporting, technological advancements, and personnel exchanges. They aim to conduct joint research on topics of mutual interest, based on the realities and development needs of both China and Central Asia, strengthen field studies, analytical assessments, and the sharing of information and achievements. The goal is to produce more high-quality and actionable think tank reports that provide insights and recommendations for the advancement of China-Central Asia cooperation.

Qiu Xiaoqi, vice president of the China Public Diplomacy Association, remarked that the launch of the China-Central Asia forum signifies a new era of exchange and cooperation among the media, think tanks, and cultural institutions of the six nations. He urged all parties to dedicate themselves to effectively communicating the stories of China-Central Asia cooperation and the modernization of the Global South.

Tursunali Kuziev, first deputy director of Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage Agency, stated that Uzbekistan strongly agrees with the saying “a close neighbor is better than a distant relative” and remains dedicated to fostering a neighborly and mutually beneficial relationship between Central Asia and China. He expressed his hope that the event would serve as a valuable platform for exchanging ideas, inspiring innovation, and planning future cooperation.

Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Han Chunlin emphasized that the “China-Central Asia Spirit” demonstrates the six countries’ firm commitment to good relations, unity, and mutual support. He urged the media, as a bridge connecting people, to cultivate a positive public opinion environment that supports the high-quality development of China-Central Asia relations.

Sun Weidong, secretary-general of the Secretariat of the China-Central Asia Mechanism, stated in his speech that think tanks and media from the six countries have a crucial role in strengthening the social foundation of a China-Central Asia community with a shared future. He affirmed that the Secretariat of the China-Central Asia Mechanism is prepared to collaborate closely with all parties, actively support cooperation mechanisms and platforms across various fields, and contribute to building a closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.

Zu Bin, director of China Huadian Corporation Ltd., mentioned in his speech that, as a leading global energy enterprise, China Huadian will fully implement the Belt and Road Initiative and the consensus reached at the China-Central Asia Summit. He stated that the company aims to assist Central Asian countries in transforming resource advantages into development strengths and promote the robust growth of green Belt and Road cooperation, while upholding the principle of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.

At the opening ceremony, a center dedicated to China-Central Asia regional cooperation and development was officially inaugurated.

The forum was jointly hosted by Xinhua News Agency, Kazakhstan President’s TV and Radio Complex, the Communist Party of China Shaanxi Provincial Committee and the provincial government, and China Huadian Corporation.

During the event, a think tank report entitled “Championing the China-Central Asia Spirit: Achievements, Opportunities and Prospects for Regional Cooperation” was released worldwide in Chinese, Russian, and English.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

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