Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov arrived in Shanghai on Sunday for the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang.
Over the past few years, Kazakhstan has been a regular participant at the world's biggest import trade expo. More than 30 Kazakh enterprises took part last year, showcasing their products and services. Between 2019 and 2023, companies from Kazakhstan signed export deals worth more than 260 million U.S. dollars in Shanghai.
China and Kazakhstan have celebrated more than three decades of formal diplomatic relations, and the bilateral relations have been further solidified by the Belt and Road Initiative.
President Xi also paid a state visit to Kazakhstan in July of this year. Both leaders agreed to open a new chapter in the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership and to promote “the next golden 30 years”.
The 7th CIIE will be held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10, and attended by 77 countries and international organizations in national pavilions, along with nearly 3,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions in the business exhibition. The event will showcase the latest products and technologies, and provide opportunities for businesses to connect and forge partnerships with one another.
According to a statement made by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning on Sunday, at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene and Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic will attend the opening ceremony of the CIIE and relevant events.
Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov arrives in Shanghai for CIIE
Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov arrives in Shanghai for CIIE
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
