Investing.com - In the historic Chinese city of Xian, Central Asian leaders assembled for a series of one-on-one meetings with China's President Xi Jinping. These discussions aimed at reinforcing long-lasting relationships and preparing the ground for an upcoming summit anticipated to result in a regional agreement with Beijing.
These bilateral talks will lay the groundwork for Friday's group meeting, which marks the first face-to-face gathering of all six leaders. During this event, Xi is expected to deliver a significant speech, and an essential political document will be signed, according to China's foreign ministry.
Throughout Xian – a city renowned for its Silk Road history – banners, billboards, and taxi signs advertised the summit. Some promotional materials even appeared in both Chinese and Russian languages.
Numerous international journalists were present to cover this momentous occasion. This included reporters from African nations where China is similarly working on expanding its economic influence and political power.
The president of Turkmenistan – an energy-rich nation situated furthest away from China among Central Asian countries – was the last leader to arrive early Thursday morning. Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was the first head-of-state to touch down in Xian; his Wednesday meeting with Xi concluded by forging agreements around "enduring friendship" as well as sharing prosperity and adversity alike.
Tokayev told Xi that both countries have common goals - intensifying bilateral relations while simultaneously strengthening regional security collaboration internationally. Their discussion led them towards measures ensuring safe operation within Kazakhstan’s section of China-Central Asia natural gas pipeline while also agreeing upon deeper cooperation involving oil production alongside uranium resources management.
As other bilateral meetings unfold throughout this week-long gathering between neighboring states' representatives', their focus remains steadfastly upon deepening interdependent partnerships. This will allow China to continue its pursuit of greater food, energy, and national security throughout the region.
Last year, trade between Central Asia and China reached a record $70 billion. Kazakhstan led with $31 billion in transactions while Kyrgyzstan followed at $15.5 billion; Turkmenistan ($11.2 billion), Uzbekistan ($9.8 billion), and Tajikistan ($2 billion) completed this ranking list.
The summit featuring Xi Jinping alongside Central Asian leaders coincides with the Group of Seven meeting taking place in Japan this Friday – an event where Beijing's economic strategies overseas are expected to be hotly debated among attendees.