Kazakhstan and China Launch Cross-Cultural Year with Grand Beijing Gala

A gala concert in Beijing officially launched the Kazakhstan-China Cross-Cultural Year on Monday. The event, held at the China National Centre for the Performing Arts, drew nearly a thousand attendees. Leading creative groups from both nations shaped the evening's distinctive atmosphere. The ceremony took place under agreements signed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Earlier, the two leaders declared 2026 the Year of Culture for Kazakhstan and China. This initiative aims to deepen ties between the countries.

Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva addressed the audience. She noted that cultural relations between Kazakhstan and China were entering a fresh stage. The opening of the Kazakh Cultural Center in Beijing also marked a key moment in reinforcing bilateral connections.

China's Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli highlighted the importance of the Cross-Cultural Year. He described it as a framework for stronger cooperation between cultural institutions. The gala itself featured performances by celebrated artists from both nations. The concert celebrated the start of a year-long programme of cultural exchange. New projects and collaborations are now expected to follow. The event underscored growing artistic and institutional links between Kazakhstan and China.