The Forum of News Agencies of China and Central Asian countries took place in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The event was attended by leaders of Xinhua News Agency, the Television and Radio Complex under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz National News Agency “Kabar”, the Tajikistan National News Agency “Khovar”, the “Media-Turkmen” Information Agency, and the Uzbekistan National News Agency – UzA.

President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua and chair of the forum, noted that under the joint leadership of the President of China Xi Jinping and the heads of the five Central Asian states, cooperation and exchanges have entered a new phase marked by significant historical opportunities and promising prospects. He emphasized that news agencies of China and Central Asia are entrusted with an important mission: to spread the “China – Central Asia Spirit”, contribute to high-quality development in the region, jointly tell the shared story of the two sides, foster humanitarian exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, promote innovation and collaboration in media technologies, and deepen communication and cooperation among news agencies. These efforts aim to support building a China – Central Asia community with a shared future.

The heads of news agencies from Central Asian countries highly praised the vital role played by the Forum in strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation. They expressed readiness to further deepen exchanges and collaboration with Chinese media, particularly with Xinhua News Agency, jointly promote the “China – Central Asia Spirit”, and contribute to fostering mutual learning among civilizations and achieving shared development.

Abdusaid Kuchimov, Director General of the Uzbekistan National News Agency – UzA, emphasized that the media play a key role in reinforcing bilateral and multilateral cooperation. He noted that this gathering of media partners from Central Asia and China is significant for discussing ways to overcome shared challenges.

The forum participants agreed that the world is changing and facing various problems, including spreading disinformation. From this perspective, media outlets in China and Central Asia must join efforts to expand cooperation in information exchange, news dissemination, and technological innovation to create a favorable information environment for regional peace and development.

Raushan Kazhibayeva, Director General of the Television and Radio Complex under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasized that the successful hosting of the Second “China – Central Asia” Summit set the course for advancing relations between China and the countries of the region. She stated that this forum vividly reflects good neighborliness and deep friendship, and that the media must support and contribute to implementing outcomes achieved at the summit.

Mederbek Shermetaliev, Director General of the Kyrgyz National News Agency “Kabar”, noted that the Belt and Road Initiative has opened new prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation. He underlined that strengthening information exchange and media cooperation will help portray all parties objectively, truthfully, and multidimensionally.

Subhiddin Shamsuddin Zadeh, Director of the Tajikistan National News Agency “Khovar”, noted fruitful results had already been achieved through media cooperation among the participating countries. He expressed hope for continued in-depth exchanges of views on key issues such as the training of communication talents, enhanced collaboration between universities, and the promotion of creative industries.

Bekdurdy Amansariyev, Director General of the “Media-Turkmen” News Agency, emphasized the need for all parties to set an example in establishing media partnerships based on mutual respect, equality, and reciprocal benefit. He pointed out that new technologies have broadened the scope of cooperation among media outlets and expressed hope for stronger collaboration in new media and the advancement of digital transformation.

The forum concluded with the adoption of the Astana Consensus.

UzA