On May 25, 2026, Yerran Koshanov, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Kazakhstan, met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, who was on an official visit to Kazakhstan.

At the beginning of the talks, Koshanov first expressed deep condolences to Zhao Leji and the Chinese people for the significant casualties caused by the gas explosion accident in a coal mine in Shanxi Province, China, and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Zhao Leji visited Astana at the invitation of Koshanov. Koshanov emphasized the significance of this visit in his welcome speech and pointed out that China is Kazakhstan's closest neighbor and important partner.

Currently, China maintains a strong development momentum and is one of the world's largest and most advanced economies, as well as an important participant in international politics. For Kazakhstan, developing a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership with China is of great significance. Currently, the relationship between the two countries has entered a new "golden 30 years". This achievement cannot be achieved without the joint efforts of the two heads of state, and also reflects the deep friendship and close exchanges between the two sides. Last year, the two heads of state held two meetings, and each dialogue injected strong momentum into the deepening development of Kazakhstan China relations, "said Koshanov.

Koshanov pointed out that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the parliaments of Kazakhstan and China are actively promoting the continuous deepening of reliable partnerships in various fields. At present, the cooperation mechanism at all levels between the two sides continues to improve, and the exchange of legislative experience is becoming increasingly frequent. The work of the Kazakhstan China Parliamentary Friendship Group also remains highly active.

Yellan Koshanov introduced to his Chinese colleagues the large-scale reforms being continuously promoted in Kazakhstan, initiated by President Tokayev, to build a "just and progressive Kazakhstan". He particularly emphasized the adoption of the new People's Constitution supported by the vast majority of Kazakhstani citizens in the national referendum. The foundation of this constitution is the principle of 'not the people for the country, but the country for the people'. In addition, the new fundamental law has established a transition to a unicameral parliament, the Kurutai, and set up new institutions such as the Vice President and the People's Assembly.

When talking about bilateral cooperation, the speaker pointed out that the inter party cooperation between the two countries is flourishing, which also helps to strengthen the strategic partnership. During the talks, he congratulated the NPC deputy on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC.

Koshanov also highlighted the current legislative work in Kazakhstan and mentioned that 2026 has been designated as the "Digital and Artificial Intelligence Year" in Kazakhstan. He said that in order to implement President Tokayev's strategic goal of "building a digital country" in the next three years, the parliament has passed the "Artificial Intelligence Law" and the "Digital Code". Members of parliament in Kazakhstan also attach great importance to drawing on China's development experience as a global digital powerhouse.

Zhao Leji congratulated Kazakhstan on the successful holding of the national referendum and the smooth passage of the new constitution, and expressed his belief that under the leadership of President Tokayev, the goal of building a "just Kazakhstan" will definitely be achieved. He also wished Kazakhstan a complete success in the upcoming elections for the Kurultai (unicameral parliament).

Zhao Leji emphasized that China is willing to fully implement the important consensus of the leaders of the two countries on transforming the traditional friendship and mutual trust between the two countries into practical cooperation achievements that benefit the people of China and Kazakhstan.

In addition, both sides had in-depth exchanges of views on legislative support and cooperation in areas such as investment, energy, trade, logistics, and cultural exchanges.Editor/Gong Ziwei