In the lead-up to Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip to Kazakhstan to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit, China Media Group (CMG) has launched a special screening event in Astana, showcasing a selection of its premium films and television programs.
At the invitation of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Xi will attend the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana from June 16 to 18.
The screening event is jointly organized by CMG and the media of Central Asian countries, aiming to promote the implementation of the outcomes of the first China-Central Asia Summit which was held in China's Xi'an in 2023, and deepen cultural exchanges and relations between the people of China and those of Central Asia.
Twelve high-quality TV programs of CMG allow the Central Asian audience to more deeply feel the enthusiasm and friendliness of the Chinese people, see the vigorous vitality of China in the new era, and explore cooperation opportunities for mutual benefit and common progress towards modernization.
Heads of media organizations and representatives of the cultural community from China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan attended the event and delivered speeches online or in person.
They said that China and Central Asian countries are friendly neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, and a community with a shared future.
Noting that the media cooperation between China and Central Asian countries has achieved fruitful results over recent years, they expressed hope that in the future, exchanges and cooperation can be further strengthened in joint reporting, technological innovation and other aspects, in order to tell the world the story of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
The TV programs included in the screening event have been broadcast on the national televisions of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and other mainstream media. The screening will last until the end of September this year.
CMG launches special screenings of premium programs in Kazakhstan ahead of Xi's visit
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
