Xi Jinping Arrives in Bishkek for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2026 and a State Visit to Kyrgyzstan

On the afternoon of August 30, 2026, local time, President Xi Jinping arrived in Bishkek by a special plane for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2026 and a state visit to Kyrgyzstan upon the invitation of President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan.

Upon the arrival of Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, they were warmly welcomed by President Sadyr Japarov and his wife. President Sadyr Japarov presented flowers to Peng Liyuan. Local young women presented traditional pastries and honey to President Xi Jinping and his wife, extending the warmest welcome to the most distinguished guests in accordance with local traditional etiquette. Guards of honor stood on both sides of the red carpet in salute. The two heads of state and their wives enjoyed performances of traditional local musical instruments and vocal singing, as well as cultural displays featuring golden eagles, hunting dogs, a traditional warriors’ formation, a cavalry procession, and yurts. Local teenagers also performed Chinese songs.

In a written speech, Xi Jinping extended sincere greetings and best wishes to President Sadyr Japarov and the people of Kyrgyzstan on behalf of the Chinese government and people.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Kyrgyzstan share a time-honored traditional friendship, and the majestic Tianshan Mountains stand as witnesses to the millennia of friendly exchanges between their peoples. Over the 34 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the China-Kyrgyzstan relationship has withstood the test of a changing international landscape, maintained sound and stable development throughout, and reached the high level of a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era. In recent years, bilateral cooperation has entered a “golden period” of rapid development, with trade volume and people-to-people exchanges reaching new highs. Major projects including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway have been successfully implemented, and the tangible results of mutually beneficial cooperation have broadly benefited the two peoples. Xi said that during the visit he will have in-depth exchanges of views with President Sadyr Japarov on China-Kyrgyzstan relations, cooperation in various fields between the two countries, and international and regional issues of common concern, and draw a new blueprint for building a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future. He looks forward to attending the Bishkek Summit of the SCO, and working with all parties to promote the continuous new development of the organization.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi and other members of the entourage arrived on the same plane.

Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Liu Jiangping also greeted the delegation at the airport.