Russia and China support Kazakhstan's leadership in restoring constitutional order in the country

China has announced its support for the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) to send peacekeepers to Kazakhstan, which is experiencing internal protests and unrest.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Wenbin said this at a press conference in Beijing, commenting on the situation in Kazakhstan and the dispatch of troops by the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

Wang said China supports all efforts by the Kazakh authorities to end the unrest as soon as possible.

He added that Kazakhstan is a neighboring country and a comprehensive and permanent strategic partner of China, stressing that the Chinese side is ready to provide all kinds of support to the Kazakh side to overcome difficulties.

He noted that Kazakhstan is a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, of which Russia and China are part, and that the organization could play an active role in resolving the crisis.

He said China and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are closely following the proceedings in Kazakhstan.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) was founded in May 1992 and includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

According to a statement issued by the presidency on Friday, Kazakh President Kassym Zhumurt Tokayev declared public order in all regions of the country.

Kazakhstan's Interior Ministry announced on Friday that 26 protesters were killed during anti-government demonstrations.

Last Sunday, protests erupted in Kazakhstan over the increase in gas prices, with casualties, looting and riots in the city of Almaty.

The government announced its resignation on Wednesday against the backdrop of the protests, followed by the imposition of a state of emergency across the country to maintain public security, according to local media.