KUALA LUMPUR — Vice-Premier Liu Yandong met with Kazakhstan Prime Minister Karim Masimov on July 31 after Beijing was chosen as the host to the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Beijing won 44 nods against Alamty’s 40 in the International Olympic Committee’s voting on the afternoon of July 31, becoming the first city ever to host both summer and Winter Olympics.

During the meeting, Liu said China regards Kazakhstan as a good friend and a good partner and the two countries will strengthen mutually-beneficial cooperation.

On the 2022 Winter Games race, Liu said she respected the great efforts made by Kazakhstan in Almaty’s bid for the Olympics and a fair competition between Beijing and Almaty represented the Olympic spirit.

Masimov congratulated China on Beijing’s spectacular final presentation to the IOC members and its successful bid.