BEIJING/ASTANA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- In recent years, China-Kazakhstan relations have surged ahead, mainly driven by the leadership of both countries, according to Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Zhang Xiao.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is a sinologist who speaks fluent Chinese language and understands China well. He began studying Chinese when he attended the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, where, years later, Chinese President Xi Jinping elaborated his signature vision of "building a community with a shared future for mankind" in 2013.
Tokayev studied Chinese at Beijing Language and Culture University from 1983 to 1984, where he achieved top grades. After that, he served as a diplomat at the Soviet Union Embassy in Beijing.
Tokayev recalled living near Beijing's Wudaokou area, home to several of the country's top universities, and cycling through hutongs to see China's development firsthand. Tsinghua University where Xi studied from 1975 to 1979 is also located in Wudaokou.
Speaking of Xi, Tokayev said, "We share a profound trust. He is very wise, cultured, warm and friendly."
"I believe that we will continue to maintain this personal relationship to ensure greater success in comprehensive cooperation between Kazakhstan and China," he said.
A warm moment of interaction between the two leaders occurred when Tokayev celebrated his 70th birthday in Xi's home province of Shaanxi in May 2023. On his birthday, Tokayev arrived in the ancient Silk Road city of Xi'an, also the capital city of Shaanxi Province, for a state visit to China and also the inaugural China-Central Asia Summit.
Upon meeting Tokayev, Xi expressed his delight at hosting him in Xi'an and extended birthday wishes. "On this special occasion, your visit speaks volumes about the strength of our bilateral ties and reaffirms your unique bond with China," Xi told him.
Later in October that year, Tokayev was invited to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, marking the initiative's 10th anniversary. Tokayev opened his speech in Chinese at the event.
In further discussions with Xi, Tokayev emphasized Kazakhstan as the birthplace of the Belt and Road Initiative. He noted Kazakhstan's unwavering support and active involvement from its inception. He told Xi: "China is a friend and partner that Kazakhstan will always trust."■
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