Beijing, June 18 -- In a significant development, China and five Central Asian nations have signed the Treaty of Permanent Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation at the China-Central Asia Summit held in Kazakhstan.

The treaty is to enshrine the principle of everlasting friendship between the countries in the form of law, said Chinese President Xi Jinping in a keynote speech.

It is a milestone for today and a foundation for tomorrow," XI said while addressing the summit on Tuesday, which was attended by the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Upholding the China-Central Asia Spirit.

President Xi also hailed the China-Central Asia Spirit, which embodies mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual...