Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, the first stop of his eight-day, four-nation tour. He will be visiting Kazakhstan, Latvia and Russia as well.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attends a welcoming ceremony held by Kyrgyzstan PM Zheenbekov. A military band plays the national anthems of both countries as Premier Li reviewes the guard of honor accompanied by Zheenbekov. [Photo/gov.cn]

Li's visit to Kyrgyzstan will primarily focus on improving production capacity. The Belt and Road Initiative, as well as security and cultural issues, will also be discussed. Li will also attend the 15th Shanghai Cooperation Organization prime ministers' meeting.

China and Kyrgyzstan have strengthened economic ties. China is Kyrgyzstan's largest trading partner and leading source of imports. Bilateral trade reached 672 million US dollars in the first six months this year, a 60-percent increase year-on-year.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attends a welcoming ceremony held by Kyrgyzstan PM Zheenbekov. A military band plays the national anthems of both countries as Premier Li reviewes the guard of honor accompanied by Zheenbekov. [Photo/gov.cn]