Gabit Syzdykbekov, mayor of Shymkent, Kazakhstan, led a delegation to visit Xi'an on June 23-25 in celebration of the first anniversary of sister city relations between the two cities.

The delegation engaged in various activities in Xi'an, including visits to development zones, universities, and advanced manufacturing enterprises.

The delegation visits the Silk Road reception lounge of Central Asia Park in Xi'an. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

On the morning of June 24, the delegation visited the Xi'an International Trade and Logistics Park, where the members toured the China-Europe Freight Train Xi'an Assembly Center and the Kazakhstan Xi'an Terminal.

The Kazakhstan Xi'an Terminal is designed to connect rapidly with the container unloading yard of the Xi'an Guogang Railway Station, meeting demand for fast container handling. Leveraging the China-Europe Freight Train (Xi'an), it facilitates the rapid distribution of Chinese imports and exports to Kazakhstan, forming a commercial and logistical hub for Kazakhstan in China.

The delegation visits the thermal power plant for harmless treatment of domestic waste in Baqiao district, Xi'an. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

On the afternoon of June 24, at the Xi'an-Shymkent Entrepreneurial Trade Fair held at the Kazakhstan Consulate General in Xi'an, 45 Chinese companies, along with 21 Kazakhstani company representatives, gathered to discuss development and cooperation. Five agreements were signed during the event.

Also during the visit, the Kazakhstan "Seven Mud Stoves" brand restaurant officially opened its first branch in China at the Central Asia Park in Xi'an, witnessed by both Chinese and foreign guests.

The restaurant primarily offers Kazakh cuisine, along with specialties from other Central Asian countries. It is expected to officially open for business in three months, allowing people in Xi'an to savor Kazakh delicacies right at their doorstep.

The delegation also visited Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an International Studies University, Xi'an Conservatory of Music, and Xi'an TCM Hospital of Encephalopathy.

This visit served as an opportunity to further strengthen practical cooperation between the two cities in industries, trade, tourism, education, and more, paving the way for deeper relations and launching a new era of win-win cooperation.