新华全媒头条｜传承千年情谊 续写时代新篇——写在习近平主席赴哈萨克斯坦出席第二届中国－中亚峰会之际

Core Points - The second China-Central Asia Summit will be held in Astana from June 16 to 18, 2023, at the invitation of Kazakhstan's President Tokayev, marking a significant step in enhancing cooperation between China and Central Asian countries [1] - The summit aims to further develop the China-Central Asia community of shared destiny, building on the achievements of the first summit held in Xi'an two years ago [1][3] - The relationship between China and Central Asia has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership, with extensive cooperation across various sectors, including trade, agriculture, and infrastructure [2][4] Group 1: Historical Context and Development - The historical ties between China and Central Asia date back over 2,100 years, initiated by Zhang Qian's mission during the Han Dynasty, which opened the door to friendly exchanges [2] - The Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by President Xi Jinping in Kazakhstan in 2013, revitalizing ancient connections and fostering future cooperation [2] - The establishment of the China-Central Asia mechanism in 2020 has led to regular meetings and enhanced diplomatic engagement among the countries [2][3] Group 2: Economic Cooperation - The China-Central Asia cooperation framework has established various ministerial-level mechanisms for trade, investment, agriculture, and transportation, which are operating efficiently [4] - Trade between China and Central Asia reached a record high of $94.8 billion in 2024, an increase of $5.4 billion from the previous year, highlighting the growing economic ties [6] - The construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is a key project aimed at improving logistics networks in the region, reflecting the commitment to deepening economic collaboration [5][6] Group 3: Cultural and Human Exchange - The launch of the China-Central Asia international cultural tourism train aims to enhance people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding between the regions [7][8] - Educational cooperation, including the establishment of "Luban Workshops" in Central Asia, is providing vocational training and opportunities for local youth [8][9] - The increasing interest in Chinese culture and language among Central Asian youth is evident, with more students choosing to study in China and cultural centers being established [9]