President praises Kazakh connection

China-Kazakhstan cooperation on jointly building the Belt and Road is helpful for the revival of the ancient Silk Road trade route, President Xi Jinping said in a message on Tuesday.

Xi's remarks were presented at a ceremony in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, for the publication of Beautiful China and Beautiful Kazakhstan, a joint picture album with over 200 photos of the countries' natural scenery and people. The publication marks the connecting of China-proposed Silk Road Economic Belt with Kazakhstan's Bright Road new economic policy.

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev also sent a message.

This year is the 25th anniversary of Sino-Kazakhstan diplomatic relations. They should deepen cooperation, encourage their traditional friendship and join hands to create a better future, Xi said.

Xi said that the two countries have made great contributions to promoting cultural exchanges. The publication of the album has great significance since it displays the beauty of the two countries and shows the friendship of its peoples, Xi said.

Nazarbayev said in his message that the China-proposed Silk Road Economic Belt and Kazakhstan's Bright Road new economic policy will bring new opportunities for the development of the ancient trade route.

This year is Tourism Year of China in Kazakhstan, he said, adding that tourism will boost mutual understanding and deepen friendship between the two countries.

A series of activities involving Sino-Kazakh cooperation was unveiled at the ceremony, one day before Xi's state visit.

Television entities from the countries signed agreements about exchanging TV programming as the two countries started the Silk Road Theater project. Among those signing such exchanges were Xinjiang Television and Kazakh partner Habbar Channel.

Talent exchanges and media cooperation have become the new highlights of Sino-Kazakh relations, said Zhou Jihong, deputy director of the international bureau of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.

"Several Chinese dramas have been broadcast by Kazakh television channels, and were welcomed by local people," she said.

Zhou said that as the Silk Road Theater project begins, the Xinjiang channel and Kazakh channels will be among those able to broadcast more quality TV projects from each other's country.