Chinese Premier Li Qiang Meets Kazakhstan PM to Expand Strategic Partnership at Summer Davos

Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with Kazakhstan Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in Dalian during the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, commonly known as the Summer Davos Forum. The meeting underscored the deepening of China and Kazakhstan's permanent comprehensive strategic partnership, which both leaders characterized as a model of mutual assistance and benefit between neighboring countries.

Li emphasized China's willingness to expand bilateral trade, consolidate and deepen cooperation in energy and mineral resources, and enhance overall connectivity between the two nations. He highlighted emerging areas for collaboration including artificial intelligence, smart cities, big data, and the digital economy, noting these initiatives would inject new momentum into both countries' modernization efforts. Additionally, Li stressed the importance of cultural, tourism, educational, and youth exchanges to strengthen people-to-people ties and mutual understanding.

Bektenov reciprocated the commitment, stating that Kazakhstan is eager to implement agreements reached by the two countries' heads of state and advance cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative framework. He pledged to create a more favorable investment environment for Chinese enterprises and committed to enhanced collaboration across trade, investment, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and industrial sectors. Both leaders affirmed their dedication to strengthening cooperation within the China-Central Asia mechanism and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to promote regional peace, stability, and sustainable development.

The meeting takes place amid broader international instability, with Li noting that China and Kazakhstan should maintain closer communication and cooperation as reliable partners. Li also welcomed Kazakhstan's participation in major Chinese platforms including the China International Import Expo and the China-Eurasia Expo. The year 2026 has been designated as a cultural exchange year between the two nations, reflecting their commitment to deepening bilateral relations across multiple dimensions.