Astana, capital city of Kazakhstan, is geared up to host the second China-Central Asia Summit which will be held from June 16 to 18.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the high-level gathering at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, joining leaders from the five Central Asian countries for crucial talks such as deepening cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy, and innovation.
As Central Asia rapidly emerges as a key trade and transit corridor, the upcoming Astana summit takes on even greater significance. Expectations surrounding the talks are running high.
Regional business leaders said that the summit could lead to concrete agreements in many sectors, vital to boosting interconnectivity.
"There are primarily energy issues, then an issue related to the agricultural sector, then the issues related to AI, and also the issues related to the manufacturing industry, transport, logistics. These are the main areas in which the agreements will be signed," said Raimbek Batalov, chairman of National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan.
What's at stake is not only about trade, but China's ability to shape long-term regional partnerships through investment, infrastructure, and education initiatives.
Some said Chinese investment offers a critical alternative to supporting development of the region, especially amid the shifting dynamics partly triggered by global economic fragmentation.
"Central Asia has become a new point of contact of interests for such countries as the United States of America and the Russian Federation, and China. Today, Central Asia is of strategic importance for many players," said Kazbek Maigeldinov, chairman of Public Foundation, the Association of China Researchers.
And with global supply chains under stress, securing dependable trade routes through Central Asia has become as much about geopolitics as economics.
Leaders gathering in Astana know the stakes, and the outcomes of this summit could shape the regional balance for years to come.
Astana ready to host 2nd China-Central Asia Summit
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
