BISHKEK: Chinese President Xi Jinping said China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation has entered a “golden period” of rapid development as he arrived in Bishkek on Sunday for the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and a state visit to Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and his wife welcomed Xi and Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan at Manas International Airport, marking the start of a visit focused on bilateral ties, regional cooperation and the future direction of the SCO.
In a written arrival statement, Xi said relations between China and Kyrgyzstan had remained stable over the 34 years since diplomatic ties were established and had developed into a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.
Xi highlights trade and connectivity gains
Xi said bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges had reached new highs in recent years.
He also pointed to major connectivity projects, including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, as examples of growing economic cooperation between the two countries.
According to Xi, such projects are intended to deepen regional connectivity and deliver practical benefits to people in both countries.
Talks to focus on bilateral and regional issues
During the visit, Xi is expected to hold detailed talks with President Japarov on China-Kyrgyzstan relations, cooperation across multiple sectors and international and regional issues of common concern.
Xi said the two sides would also work on a new roadmap for building what Beijing describes as a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future.
SCO summit in focus
Xi is also attending the SCO Bishkek Summit, where member states are expected to review the organization’s 25 years of development and discuss future cooperation.
He said the summit would provide an opportunity for participating countries to assess past experience, identify new areas of cooperation and shape the next phase of the organization’s development.
The visit comes as China and Kyrgyzstan expand cooperation in trade, infrastructure, transport links and regional diplomacy.
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