Bishkek: Strategic dialogue with Kyrgyzstan will help strengthen cooperation and coordination, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said. He made the remarks during the first strategic dialogue with his Kyrgyz counterpart Jeenbek Kulubaev in Bishkek on Wednesday, according to an official statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

According to Anadolu Agency, Wang emphasized that the establishment of the strategic dialogue mechanism is a concrete step that will further strengthen strategic mutual trust, enhance strategic coordination, and promote strategic cooperation. China fully supports Kyrgyzstan's work as the rotating chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), as the Central Asian nation is set to assume the rotating presidency of the 10-member bloc next year.

Wang also expressed a desire for Bishkek to join the Hong Kong-based International Court of Mediation 'as soon as possible.' In addition to these discussions, the veteran Chinese diplomat met with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, with both sides pledging to strengthen cooperation in various fields.

Japarov emphasized that Kyrgyz-Chinese relations are currently at a historic high, according to a statement by Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Ministry. He highlighted the practical cooperation between the two sides, noting that since establishing diplomatic ties in 1992, China has become Kyrgyzstan's largest trading partner and a significant source of investment. The bilateral trade volume last year climbed to $22.71 billion.

The president also noted the dynamic strengthening of multilateral cooperation, primarily within the SCO and the Central Asia-China format. In response, Wang assured Japarov that China will always be a trustworthy friend and reliable partner of Kyrgyzstan, supporting the nation in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.