Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors during talks in Shanghai on Thursday.

The meeting took place at the Xijiao State Guest Hotel while President Tokayev was in China to attend the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance.

During the meeting, Xi said the relationship between China and Kazakhstan has continued to strengthen despite profound global changes, describing the partnership as resilient and full of untapped potential.

He noted that China had recently marked the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), saying the party's development has been driven by its commitment to serving the people, pursuing national development, and adapting to changing circumstances.

Xi also praised Kazakhstan's ongoing reform agenda, saying both countries should better align their national development strategies to promote shared prosperity.

He emphasized that expanding practical cooperation serves the long-term interests of both nations and called for greater collaboration in trade, investment, energy, transportation, technology, and digital innovation.

Xi urged both sides to modernize bilateral trade by improving its structure and encouraging new forms of commerce, including cross-border e-commerce and trade in services.

He also called for expanded cooperation in the energy and mining sectors, accelerated implementation of major joint projects, and enhanced transport connectivity through increased direct flights and improved international road links.

Highlighting emerging technologies as a new engine of growth, Xi said China is prepared to share expertise in areas such as the digital economy and artificial intelligence to support Kazakhstan's digital transformation.

He also encouraged deeper cooperation in education, science, healthcare, public health, sports, media, and cultural exchanges as part of the China-Kazakhstan Year of Cultural Exchange.

President Tokayev described Kazakhstan's relationship with China as one of the country's highest foreign policy priorities, praising China's economic achievements and expressing support for expanding bilateral cooperation.

He said Kazakhstan is committed to strengthening high-level political dialogue and broadening practical cooperation in trade, investment, transport, energy, agriculture, and the digital economy.

Tokayev also expressed his country's readiness to increase people-to-people exchanges and pursue projects that deliver tangible benefits for both nations.

The two leaders also discussed international affairs and pledged closer coordination within multilateral organizations, including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the China-Central Asia mechanism.

Tokayev voiced support for China's global development initiatives and its vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, while both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation on global artificial intelligence governance and sustainable development.

Xi reiterated China's willingness to work with Kazakhstan in advancing the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global AI Governance Initiative.

Following the talks, Xi and Tokayev witnessed the signing and exchange of multiple bilateral cooperation agreements covering trade, transportation, public finance, media, and several other sectors.

Senior Chinese officials, including Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining, attended the meeting and the signing ceremony.

The discussions underscored the growing strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan as both countries seek to expand economic cooperation, strengthen regional connectivity, and enhance coordination on international and emerging technology issues. (ILKHA)