BISHKEK, April 28 (Xinhua) -- More than 100 businessmen, government officials, experts, scholars and foreign envoys attended a forum held here Friday to discuss prospects of cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan.
The forum, named "Discover Asia -- the changes in China and the prospects for Sino-Kyrgyz relations," was jointly organized by the "Roza Otunbayeva Initiative" International Public Foundation and the Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan.
In an address to the forum, Otunbayeva, former Kyrgyz president, said that in recent years, China has made remarkable achievements in economic and social development, and its international prestige has increased year by year.
She said a lot of Kyrgyz people know Chinese, but do not really understand China. She suggested that the business community in Kyrgyzstan learn more about China, its culture and achievements.
Otunbayeva noted that Kyrgyzstan has opened a consular office in Guangzhou. In addition, learning Chinese in Kyrgyzstan has become a trend. Many parents are sending their children to China for study.
Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Wang Kaiwen said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 20 years ago, bilateral relations have made considerable progress and continued to deepen in various fields on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
The two countries have become good neighbors, good friends and good partners, the ambassador said.
In the new historical period, the two sides should continue efforts to strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, infrastructure construction, resource development, cultural and other fields to benefit the two countries and its peoples, he added.
Besides, the forum also introduced northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where the Euraisa Expo will be held in September.