China, Central Asian countries agree better connectivity by land, flights
Chinese President Xi Jinping (third from left) signed a treaty to elevate ties with Central Asian nations on June 17. PHOTO: REUTERS
BEIJING - China and Central Asian countries are willing to improve road and railway connectivity, and will look to open more direct flights to and from China as they agreed to enhance exchanges, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement on June 18.
China will look at simplifying visa procedures with the five Central Asian countries while all parties will study the feasibility of opening consular offices, it added.
China, together with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, will also accelerate the modernisation of existing port facilities and look at the need for new ports.
Chinese President Xi Jinping signed on June 17 a treaty to elevate ties with Central Asian nations as Beijing looks to further deepen cooperation on trade, energy and infrastructure with the resource-rich region. REUTERS
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