Kazakh residents widely expressed optimism about the cooperation between their country and China, citing tangible outcomes brought by deepened cooperation in their country, including job growth, streamlined cross-border logistics, and tourism gains fueled by visa-free policies.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is attending the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana from Monday to Wednesday at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
"I think the Chinese president's visit is good for both countries. I think that increased cooperation between the two countries will also help solve some of the problems of Kazakhstan, such as alleviating unemployment," said Bota, a student.
"I heard of this, and the two countries have signed many agreements on agricultural development. Kazakhstan has a lot of land, but very little can be cultivated. I hear there are more jobs in the countryside because of the cooperation between the two countries," said Serik, a businessman.
"With increasing cooperation between China and Central Asian countries in trade, transportation and education, Kazakhstan imports many automobiles from China. There will be more new cars in our country. My sisters helped me buy an item on Pinduoduo, and I received it within 10 days. The product was exactly as it was shown on the website. It was exactly what I expected. I'm going to buy more," said Aigul, a doctor.
Furthermore, many Kazakh residents aspire to visit China, facilitated by the visa-free access offered between the two countries.
"I want to go to China, and I want to experience the culture in Xi'an because I'm interested in the history there," said Aiyla, a student.
"Of course, I want to visit China. I want to go to Guangzhou, especially to visit local factories and production bases. I'd like to go there to buy products and bring them back to Kazakhstan to sell. Now China and Kazakhstan offer visa-free access to each other. Chinese citizens can travel to Kazakhstan. This will promote the development of tourism in our country and play a positive role in improving our economy," Aigul said.
Kazakh residents hail China-Kazakhstan cooperation
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
