Xi, Tokayev to hold small-group talks in Astana

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev are set to hold small-group talks on Wednesday in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

Xi is on a state visit to Kazakhstan and will attend here the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

A signed article by Chinese President Xi Jinping was published in the leading Tajik newspaper Narodnaya Gazeta and the state-run Khovar News Agency on Friday as Xi pays state visit to the Central Asian country.

Xi touched down in the capital Dushanbe late on Thursday where he was given a warm welcome by well-wishers and personally greeted by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

Starting from early on Friday morning, 15,000 copies of newspapers carrying the Chinese president's signed article, titled "Working Together for a Brighter Future of China-Tajikistan Relations," were distributed nationwide in Tajikistan.

"The newspaper will be sent to governmental organizations and also via mail. We are very happy for the collaboration of our countries," said Buriev Hukmiddin, chief of the printing factory.

In the article, Xi quoted the famous Tajik poet Rudaki, saying that nothing could compare to the joy of a reunion with family or friends.

Noting that he has met with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon 15 times, Xi said in the article that the good working relations and personal friendship between the two leaders have allowed the countries to advance to higher levels of strategic partnership.

Elena Batinkova, a chief editor from the Khovar News Agency which published the article in both Tajik and English, believes it represents a natural continuation of the friendship.

"There are more than 200 documents showcasing the cooperation between our two countries. We expect it going stronger and extending to areas of green energy, medicine, science, manufacturing and more," said Batinkova.

Xi also stressed in the article that both sides will continue to support each other's core interests and oppose any attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of each country.

The current state visit marks Xi's third trip to Tajikistan following previous visits in 2014 and 2019.