The first China-Central Asia Summit will be held in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province on May 18-19, 2023. On the eve of the summit, President Tokayev of Kazakhstan accepted an exclusive interview in Astana. Tokayev said that he highly expected the summit to further deepen the cooperation between China and the five Central Asian countries.

President Tokayev has high expectations for the summit, as China plays an increasingly important role in Central Asia. He believes that leaders of other Central Asian countries share similar views. As for whether the deepening of exchanges between China and Central Asian countries will affect the geopolitical balance? President Tokeyev said that the intentions of all countries are open and sincere, and such worries are unnecessary.

2023 is the 10th anniversary of the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. Kazakhstan is where the initiative was launched, and two of the six major economic corridors involved in the initiative pass through the country. As a very important participant in the Belt and Road Initiative, President Tokayev said that it not only provides a solid foundation for our mutually beneficial cooperation, but also serves as one of the important platforms for us to speak out to the international community. He especially thanked China for its support to Kazakhstan during the COVID-19 epidemic, and expressed affirmation and appreciation for the key role played by the China-Europe Railway Express across Kazakhstan in transporting medicines and medical supplies.Editor/Ma Xue