Beijing, March 30, 2024, The Europe Today: In a display of diplomatic camaraderie, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Kazakh counterpart, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, conveyed congratulatory messages on Friday to mark the commencement of the Kazakhstan Tourism Year in China for the year 2024.
President Xi Jinping underscored the enduring bond between China and Kazakhstan, hailing their relationship as characterized by neighborliness, friendship, and partnership rooted in the rich tapestry of historical exchanges and cultural amalgamation along the ancient Silk Road. Reflecting on his proposal for the establishment of an “economic belt along the Silk Road” in Kazakhstan in 2013, President Xi lauded the decade-long collaboration between the two nations, particularly emphasizing the transformative impact of the Belt and Road Initiative in fostering mutual prosperity and deepening bilateral ties.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation in fostering people-to-people understanding, President Xi urged both countries to leverage the Kazakhstan Tourism Year in China as a catalyst for bolstering tourism collaboration, facilitating cross-border travel, and ushering in a new era of bilateral relations marked by mutual trust and shared prosperity.
In response, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev echoed President Xi’s sentiments, reaffirming the burgeoning friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Kazakhstan and China. Extolling Kazakhstan’s rich historical heritage, diverse cultural tapestry, and scenic landscapes, President Tokayev expressed confidence in Kazakhstan emerging as a favored tourist destination for Chinese travelers. He pledged Kazakhstan’s commitment to organizing an array of tourism-themed events throughout the year to deepen Chinese tourists’ appreciation of Kazakhstan’s cultural and natural wonders, thus solidifying the enduring bonds of friendship between the two nations and invigorating their comprehensive strategic partnership.
The inauguration ceremony of the Kazakhstan Tourism Year in China took place in Beijing under the joint auspices of China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, marking the commencement of a year-long celebration aimed at fortifying bilateral ties and promoting cross-cultural exchange.
