China understands why former Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev resigned and is confident in the future and China-Kazakhstan relations and prospects for bilateral cooperation, said Geng Shuang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a routine press briefing.

Nursultan Nazarbayev (File photo: AFP)

"Nazarbayev is the founder of an independent Kazakh state fully respected by its people. China understands his decision. He is an old and good friend familiar to the Chinese. China hopes and believes that Kazakhstan will make further progress in building the country," said Geng.

Geng said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 27 years ago, President Nazarbayev has always been committed to China-Kazakhstan friendship, promoted the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan and supported and actively participated in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. The Chinese side spoke highly of this.

“We wish the friendly Kazakhstan prosperity. China and Kazakhstan are important neighbors. China-Kazakhstan relations have been operating at a high level at present. Deepening China-Kazakhstan all-round cooperation is in the common interests of the two countries. It is also the consensus of all walks of life in the two countries. China has full confidence in China-Kazakhstan relations and prospects for China-Kazakhstan cooperation,” he added.