SOCHI, Russia — China and Kyrgyzstan pledged to promote cooperation on cross-border transportation infrastructure on Dec 1.

During a meeting with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sapar Isakov on Dec 1, Premier Li Keqiang said China is a friendly neighbor and strategic partner for Kyrgyzstan and both countries see each other’s development as opportunities.

China supports the development path which Kyrgyzstan has chosen for itself. It will hold more high-level exchanges with Kyrgyzstan and the two countries should work together to make progress in bilateral relations, Premier Li said.

Both sides need to speed up building cross-border transportation infrastructure to attain better interconnectivity and facilitate cross-border trade and cargo flow, he said.

China is willing to work with Kyrgyzstan in economic, trade, agricultural, energy and other fields, he added.

The meeting came as leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states gather for the 16th meeting of the regional body’s Council of Heads of Government.

For his part, Isakov told Premier Li that China is Kyrgyzstan’s reliable strategic partner and there is good momentum in practical cooperation between the two countries.

Kyrgyzstan appreciates China’s support for its economic and social development and the country is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with China, the Kyrgyzstan’s prime minister said.

Kyrgyzstan is ready to enhance cooperation with China on transportation infrastructure, energy, agriculture, finance and electronic commerce, among others, he added.