BEIJING/ASTANA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sees young people as the "mainstay" of friendship between China and Kazakhstan. "The common interest and ideal they hold for life all bring them together in true friendship."
During his inaugural state visit to Kazakhstan in 2013, he engaged directly with students from Nazarbayev University. "Seeing so many young, glowing faces in the audience, I could not but reminisce about my own university days," Xi said.
The Chinese president shared story of Kazakh youth Ruslan Tulenov, who then was a student at China's Hainan University and has a rare Rh-negative blood type referred to as "panda blood" in China.
For a time, Ruslan insisted on voluntary blood donations to help Chinese patients. His life-saving gesture touched many, including Xi, who called him "the envoy of China-Kazakh friendship."
Recalling the unexpected recognition, Ruslan said, "I never expected him to mention an ordinary international student. It was a moment of profound warmth. President Xi is a caring person."
Since graduating, Ruslan has assumed the role of Global Press Officer at the Hainan International Economic Development Bureau, actively promoting the Hainan Free Trade Port globally. In 2022, he met Xi in person in Hainan. Referring to Ruslan as a "China expert," Xi said: "We welcome more international talents to join us."
Another Kazakh youth who left an impression on Xi is Ismail Daurov. Now a doctor at the China-Kazakhstan Center for Traditional Medicine in Astana, Ismail never imagined that his casual remarks would connect him with the Chinese president.
"I am a foreigner, but not an outsider," Ismail once said during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, while pursuing his postgraduate studies at Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, he volunteered to assist a local community in Xi'an.
Xi later quoted Ismail's words during a speech at a virtual summit marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and five Central Asian countries. The young Kazakh's words "have touched the hearts of many in China," he said.
Xi's commendation was a humbling surprise for Ismail. The young Kazakh hopes to heal more people in Kazakhstan with traditional Chinese medicine and "dedicate my life to healing people."
"Youth are at the forefront of fostering people's friendships," said Serik Korzhumbayev, editor-in-chief of Delovoy Kazakhstan newspaper. "They will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in nurturing the enduring friendship between China and Kazakhstan and propelling bilateral relations towards a future as radiant as soaring eagles."■
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