Kyrgyzstan and China to expand cooperation in AI, energy and transport

Kyrgyzstan and China intend to expand practical cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, the digital economy, clean energy, transport and mineral extraction. This was announced by Liu Jiangping, the Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, at a briefing following the state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his participation in the SCO summit.

According to the ambassador, during the visit the two sides signed more than 30 documents covering trade, transport, science, technology, education, culture and humanitarian exchanges.

One of the key outcomes was the signing of the Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Co-operation between Kyrgyzstan and China. The document reaffirms the countries’ intention to develop a long-term strategic partnership and strengthen mutual support.

The parties agreed to step up construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, the modernisation of border crossing points and the development of road networks. Particular attention is to be paid to projects in the fields of renewable energy, resource recycling and ‘green’ mineral extraction.

Kyrgyzstan and China also intend to expand cooperation in the digital economy, clean energy and the field of artificial intelligence.

Cooperation will also extend to education. The Kyrgyz–Chinese Institute of Advanced Engineers has opened at the I. Razzakov Kyrgyz State Technical University. The K. Karasaev Bishkek State University and Beijing Foreign Studies University have agreed to establish a joint institute.

In addition, the countries plan to carry out joint research projects, open laboratories and continue the ‘Health Express’ medical programme.

Inter-regional ties will also be strengthened. The Issyk-Kul Region has established a sister-region relationship with China’s Sichuan Autonomous Region, whilst the Osh Region has done the same with Sichuan Province.

Liu Jiangping also noted that two special entry arrangements to China are available to Kyrgyz citizens: a 240-hour visa-free transit and a visa-free stay in Hainan Province for up to 30 days. According to her, the two sides will continue to work on simplifying travel between the two countries.

The ambassador noted that Xi Jinping’s state visit was the first in the last seven years and the Chinese leader’s third visit to Kyrgyzstan. It coincided with the 35th anniversary of the republic’s independence, the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China and the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.