From July 18 to 19, Cheng Kai, chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) and president of the Chinese Paralympic Committee, led a delegation to Kazakhstan upon invitation, aiming to advance cooperation in the field of disability affairs under the Belt and Road Initiative.
During his visit to Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, Cheng held talks with Viktoriya Shegay, vice-minister of labor and social protection of Kazakhstan. He also exchanged views with Kairat Boranbayev, president of the National Paralympic Committee of Kazakhstan, on strengthening cooperation in disability sports.
Cheng conducted field visits to the China-Kazakhstan Traditional Medicine Center, the Disability Sports Training Center, and the Tarlan Paralympic Ice Hockey Arena, where he gained insights into rehabilitation through traditional Chinese medicine and sports training for persons with disabilities.
Cheng also joined in discussions with local disability organizations and YTO Express Kazakhstan, where he witnessed the signing of the company's first employment contract with a local person with a disability in Kazakhstan. He also met with Han Chunlin, Chinese ambassador to Kazakhstan, for a work exchange.
Cheng introduced the latest developments in China's disability undertakings, noting that disability affairs have been fully integrated into China's national economic and social development plans and are moving forward together. China is actively developing public services related to rehabilitation assistive devices, education and employment, care and support, cultural and sports services, and accessibility. He emphasized China's strong advocacy for the values of equality, inclusion, and sharing, enabling more persons with disabilities to live independent, dignified, and fulfilling lives.
Cheng expressed CDPF's readiness to work with the Kazakh side, guided by the strategic guidance of the two heads of state and in line with the Astana Consensus of the Second China-Central Asia Summit, to strengthen exchanges and deepen cooperation for the benefit of persons with disabilities in both countries and to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
Shegay commended China's achievements in protecting the rights and interests of persons with disabilities and expressed willingness to cooperate in areas such as employment and social protection for persons with disabilities. Boranbayev expressed hope for diverse and effective exchanges and collaboration with China, and a desire to learn from China's advanced experience in the development of disability sports.
Cheng Kai, chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, conducts survey at the Tarlan Paralympic Ice Hockey Arena in Kazakhstan.[Photo/cdpf.org.cn]