China, Central Asian countries sign Astana Declaration

China and Central Asian countries agreed to deepen cooperation in key sectors, such as agriculture and energy, according to a joint declaration released on Tuesday.

The six countries – China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – made the commitment in the Astana Declaration of the China-Central Asia Summit.

The countries affirmed their commitment to further tapping the potential of agricultural cooperation. China welcomes the efforts of Central Asian countries to enhance the visibility of their agricultural products through major exhibitions, such as the China International Import Expo.

They expressed their willingness to develop smart agriculture, and enhance the application of water-saving, green and other efficient technologies, as well as the exchange of advanced experience.

The countries also affirmed their commitment to promoting technological and talent exchanges and cooperation in areas such as the management and development of desertified and saline-alkali lands.

They support the establishment of a China-Central Asia energy development partnership to expand cooperation across the entire energy industry chains, further expand cooperation in traditional energy fields such as petroleum, natural gas and coal, strengthen cooperation in clean energy such as hydropower, solar energy, wind energy and hydrogen energy, and deepen cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, the declaration read. 

Upholding multilateralism

China and Central Asian countries agreed to firmly uphold multilateralism, universally recognized international law and the basic norms governing international relations.

The countries reiterated their commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and to respecting each other's independence, equality, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They also agreed to promote a more just and equitable international order by advancing an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

China and Central Asian countries vowed to safeguard the indispensable role of the UN in safeguarding international peace, security and sustainable development, championing the common values of humanity – peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom – and opposing the politicization of human rights and other related issues, the declaration read. 

Combating terrorism, separatism and extremism

China and the five Central Asian countries agreed to jointly combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism and strongly condemn all forms of the three forces, according to the declaration.

The countries also pledged to combat threats such as cross-border infiltration by terrorist forces, drug smuggling, transnational organized crime, and cybercrime to ensure the smooth and stable progress of cooperation projects and jointly respond to security threats, the document said.

They agreed that a stable, developing and prosperous Central Asia is in the common interests of the people of the six countries and the wider international community.

The countries stand ready to work with the international community to help the Afghan people maintain peace and stability, rebuild social infrastructure, and integrate into the regional and world economic systems.

They also support building Afghanistan into a peaceful, stable and prosperous country free from the threats of terrorism and drugs.

(With input from Xinhua)