China and Kyrgyzstan should upgrade security cooperation and jointly fight the "three evil forces" and cross-border organized crimes, President Xi Jinping said on June 6.

Xi made the remark in a meeting with his Kyrgyz counterpart Sooronbay Jeenbekov at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The "three evil forces" refers to terrorism, extremism and separatism.

Jeenbekov is on a state visit to China. Afterward, he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Qingdao, Shandong province, on June 9 and June 10.

The two presidents signed a joint declaration to upgrade the bilateral relationship to comprehensive strategic partnership.

Witnessed by the two leaders, China and Kyrgyzstan signed a number of cooperation documents covering such areas as energy, economy, technology, trade, health and media.

With efforts made by both sides, China-Kyrgyzstan ties have developed at a fast pace and have reached their highest level, Xi said.

Xi pointed out that high-level exchanges between the two countries have been enhanced continuously and mutual political trust has been strengthened.

Their cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative has resulted in early outcomes, which will bring real benefits to the people of both countries, Xi said, adding that he is confident about the future of China-Kyrgyzstan relations.

The two countries should enhance their connection regarding development strategies and policy coordination and they should plan for key cooperation areas and projects, Xi said.

Xi spoke highly of Jeenbekov's efforts to deepen relations with China, saying that the two countries are good neighbors, friends and partners.

It is the common goal for the two countries to achieve development and progress, Xi said, adding that he would like to work together with his Kyrgyz counterpart to develop a stronger friendship between the two countries that will benefit the people of both.

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kyrgyzstan.

Mentioning that it is his first state visit to China as president of Kyrgyzstan, Jeenbekov said the two countries have a high degree of mutual understanding.

The two countries could enjoy fruitful and strengthened cooperation on the basis of friendship and mutual trust, he said.

Kyrgyzstan firmly upholds the one-China policy, Jeenbekov said, adding that he would like to enhance cooperation with China in trade, economy and people-to-people exchanges.

Kyrgyzstan would like to work with China to fight the "three evil forces" and safeguard regional peace, stability and security, he said.

Praising the Belt and Road Initiative, Jeenbekov said it will definitely move the common development of the region forward.

Jeenbekov said that China has supported Kyrgyzstan with assistance, loans and technological aid, which he said have played big roles in advancing the economic and social development of his country.

The Kyrgyz president spoke highly of Xi's contribution in helping the development of Kyrgyzstan-China relations.

(China Daily June 7, 2018)