Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Kazakh counterpart
Nursultan Nazarbayev met in Astana on Tuesday to discuss bilateral
relations, regional situation and major international issues.
During their meeting, Nazarbayev expressed his belief that
President Hu's visit will push forward the development of the
Kazakhstan-China relations.
President Hu stressed that Kazakhstan is an important neighbor of
China.
Maintaining and developing long-term stable good-neighborly ties
based on mutual benefits and cooperation not only serve the common
aspiration and fundamental interests of the two countries and the
two peoples, but also are conducive to regional peace, stability
and development, he said.
He
promised that the new Chinese leadership will stick to the
principle of developing neighborly friendship with Kazakhstan and
promote bilateral cooperation based on mutual benefits.
Meanwhile, President Hu proposed that the two countries deepen
political mutual trust and keep high-level contacts; intensify
cooperation in economy and trade, especially in the energy sector;
expand exchanges and cooperation in science and technology,
education, culture, sports and health; strengthen cooperation in
dealing with international affairs, particularly further cement
coordination within the framework of the United Nations and the
Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
He
also briefed Nazarbayev about the severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS)
situation in China, noting that the Chinese government will
continue to take effective measures along the border with
Kazakhstan to prevent the disease from spreading out of China.
Following their meeting, the two leaders endorsed a joint
declaration at the presidential palace. Several other documents on
cooperation between the two sides in different fields were also
signed.
Speaking at a joint press conference after their talks, President
Hu said that he had a "fruitful and friendly" discussion with
Nazarbayev and both sides were "very satisfied" with the
development of the Sino-Kazakh relations.
Meanwhile, Nazarbayev expressed his gratitude to China for its
support and aid to his country since it became independent.
Earlier Tuesday morning, Nazarbayev presided over a ceremony at the
presidential palace to welcome President Hu, who inspected the
guards of honor accompanied by Nazarbayev.
President Hu arrived here on Monday to pay a two-day state visit to
the central Asian country.
(Xinhua News Agency June 4, 2003)