Kazakh, Tajik experts, local expect Xi's visit to boost bilateral cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan will inject new impetus into the development of China's relations with both Central Asian states, said experts and locals from the two countries.

From July 2 to 6, Xi will attend the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States in Astana, Kazakhstan, and pay state visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

In a recent interview with China Central Television (CCTV), Rakhim Oshakbaev, director of Kazakhstan's Center of Applied Research "TALAP", said that there exists strong mutual trust at the highest levels of leadership, and as a non-governmental center, it has found that Kazakhstanis' perception of China has shown rapid improvement over the past four years.

"Kazakhstan-China relations enjoy a solid foundation. There is also profound friendship between our leaders, which is of vital significance to promoting further development of relations between the two countries. Each year, we conduct the 'China Perception Index' survey, finding out that that the Kazakh people's favorable impression of China keeps going up year on year," said Oshakbaev.

In a separate interview with the CCTV, Shohkusrav Ayubzoda, director of International Relations Department, Committee on Youth and Sports Affairs of Tajikistan, said people in Tajikistan view Xi's upcoming visit as an event of great importance, and hope it can boost cooperation between Tajikistan and China.

"The visit of the Chinese leader to Tajikistan holds significant importance as the two countries have established a comprehensive strategic partnership. Tajikistani youth highly value such visit, and preparations are underway with great anticipation for President Xi Jinping's arrival," said Ayubzoda.

Dustov Khayom, a local from Tajikistan, has also expressed his anticipation of Xi's visit.

"China is our good neighbor and has maintained friendly cooperation with Tajikistan for many years. The Tajikistani people are warm and hospitable. We warmly welcome President Xi to our beautiful country of Tajikistan," said Khayom.

Kazakh, Tajik experts, local expect Xi's visit to boost bilateral cooperation

A new direct flight route connecting Belgian capital Brussels and China's financial hub of Shanghai was inaugurated on Wednesday, providing more travel options and convenience for international passengers heading to China.

The inaugural flight of this new direct route departed from the Brussels International Airport at noon local time. Among the travelers was Hyde, who expressed her delight noting that her family had previously lived in China for many years.

The recently implemented visa-free policy, effective this year, has made travel plans easier, prompting them to visit China as soon as the summer vacation began.

"Now we don't need to apply for a visa, it's very convenient to travel. So we say 'let's go (to China) to see some friends," Hyde said in Chinese.

China adopted a visa-free policy for Belgian ordinary passport holders from March 14 this year until December 31 in 2025. This policy allows the relevant individuals to enter China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit without a visa for up to 15 days.

"We've never been to China, it's a perfect opportunity for us to visit your country [China]. So we're just going to let the cities surprise us," said Elissa, another traveler.

The implementation of China's visa-free policy for Belgium, coupled with the increase in direct flights between Belgium and China, is projected to bolster cooperation and development in various sectors, including the economy, tourism and culture between Europe and China, an airport operation executive said.

"We feel directly it's because of the visa-free entry [policy] that the entry is growing. Yes, we will definitely, not only (passengers) in Belgium but also in European, and even North American and African and visitors are going to China," said Bart Saverwyns, Chief Passenger Aviation Officer of Brussels Airport.

New Brussels-Shanghai direct flight launched amid visa-free policy boost