China, Kyrgyzstan agree to strengthen cooperation

Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev met in Bishkek Tuesday and agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Wen conveyed to Atambayev the greetings from Chinese President Hu Jintao and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Xi Jinping.

The diplomatic ties between China and Kyrgyzstan in the past 20 years have demonstrated that the bilateral relationship is built on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, accords with the fundamental interests of both countries and enjoys a promising future, Wen said.

"China appreciates and supports Kyrgyzstan's firm stand on safeguarding national security and stability and its efforts in developing the economy and improving people's living standards," he added.

The two nations should make concerted efforts to maintain high-level contact and tackle common challenges, Wen said, adding that they should beef up cooperation in law enforcement and security and crack down on the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism.

He also proposed that the two sides advance cooperation in such areas as economy, trade and transportation and enhance coordination under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

For his part, Atambayev asked Wen to convey his greetings for Hu and Xi, and noted that China's long-standing selfless assistance and strong support have promoted Kyrgyzstan's economic and social development.

Kyrgyzstan regards China as a sincere friend and friendly neighbor, he said, adding that his country attaches great importance to developing its ties with China and is willing to work with China to make bilateral exchanges and cooperation more fruitful.

The president also expressed his confidence that the two countries' relations will rise to higher levels.