Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev and Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, at a meeting held in Bishkek Monday, pledged to enhance cooperation and promote the development of friendly ties.

 

At the meeting, Bakiev said China is Kyrgyzstan's sincere friend and important partner and developing ties with China is Kyrgyzstan's top diplomatic priority.

 

The president stressed that Kyrgyzstan is willing to conduct bilateral cooperation with China within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to safeguard peace, security and stability in the two countries and the whole region.

 

Yang said that recent years have witnessed a rapid development of Chinese-Kyrgyz relations with deepened political mutual-trust and mutual-support in key issues of common concern. China appreciates the support Kyrgyzstan has offered on the issue of Taiwan, Tibet and East Turkestan, and will continue to support Kyrgyzstan's efforts in safeguarding sovereignty, maintaining stability and improving people's lives, he added.

 

Yang said on the 15th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Kyrgyzstan that China hopes to join hands with the country to enhance high-level exchanges, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and promote the development of friendly ties.

 

On the same day, Yang also met Kazakh Foreign Minister Marat Tazhin and Tajik Foreign Minister Kamrokhon Zarifi.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 10, 2007)