Chinese leader arrives in Kazakhstan for state visit, summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Kazakhstan on July 2 for a state visit and to participate in the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), held in the Kazakh capital Astana.

President Xi Jinping's arrival marks his fifth visit to Kazakhstan, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Xi's entourage, including senior Chinese Communist Party member Cai Qi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, was escorted by Kazakh fighter jets upon entering the country's airspace.

Ahead of the summit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning highlighted Beijing's expectations that the SCO meeting would foster consensus among member states, contributing to regional security, stability, and development, as well as global peace and prosperity.

During his visit, President Xi Jinping is scheduled to participate in various state events, including a welcoming ceremony, signing of agreements, and a banquet. Discussions with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will cover bilateral relations, cooperation in strategic sectors, and regional and international affairs, Mao added.

The SCO, encompassing a vast region from Moscow to Beijing and representing about half of the world's population, includes permanent members Kazakhstan (this year's host), India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran (since last year). Belarus is expected to join this year, following the 2023 virtual SCO summit hosted by India.