From September 23 to 24, Bai Yuzhen, Director-General of the Ningxia Foreign Affairs Office, led a team to Beijing for work meetings with H.E. Mr. Nuryshev Shakhrat, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to China, H.E. Mr. Parakhat Durdyev, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to China, H.E. Mr. Saidzoda Zohir, Ambassador of Tajikistan to China, and Dr. Batir Tursunov, Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Beijing, respectively. The purpose of these meetings was to advance preparations for the 11th China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum (the Forum), such as international guests’ invitation and outcomes planning. Additionally, the productive discussions aimed to deepen practical exchanges and cooperation between Ningxia and Central Asian countries.

Throughout the meetings, Bai Yuzhen introduced the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, briefed the diplomatic envoys on Ningxia’s economic and social development and updated them on the latest progress of the Forum. Bai also extended a warm invitation to high-level diplomats from the four embassies to attend the Forum and provide robust support to facilitate the signing of cooperation projects. All embassies responded enthusiastically, thanking Bai for her gracious invitation and familiarizing themselves with the details of the preparations and reception arrangements. They expressed willingness to liaise with relevant departments in their home countries to help advance the aforementioned preparations.

Bai Yuzhen also took the opportunity to exchange in-depth ideas with diplomatic envoys on strengthening practical cooperation in economy, agriculture, water conservancy, energy, education, culture and tourism, international friendship city relations, and youth exchanges between Ningxia and Central Asian countries. Consensus has been reached on establishing communication mechanisms, promoting personnel exchanges and implementing “small yet smart” cooperation projects.

The Forum will be held in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from October 25 to 28, 2024. It is co-hosted by the People’s Government of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, with the theme of “Promoting Green Development and Building a Common Home”.