President Hu Jintao arrived in the Kazakh capital of Astana Sunday for a state visit to the Central Asian nation and attending a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).  

In a written statement issued upon his arrival at the airport, Hu said mutual understanding and trust between China and Kazakhstan have been deepened since the two countries established diplomatic relations 13 years ago.

Bilateral cooperation in such fields as politics, economy and trade, energy, transportation and security has been strengthened, Hu said, adding that the two countries also have had fruitful coordination in regional and international affairs.

"It is in the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two countries to enhance good-neighborliness, friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Kazakhstan," Hu said.

During the visit, Hu will have talks with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev on furthering bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and world issues.

Relations between China and Kazakhstan have developed rapidly in recent years, featuring deep political mutual trust and close cooperation in economy, trade and energy cooperation.

On Tuesday, the Chinese leader is scheduled to attend a summit of the SCO, which groups China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The organization was formed four years ago to promote effective cooperation among its six members and to safeguard peace, security and stability in the region.

Kazakhstan is the second leg of Hu's three-nation tour, which has taken him to Russia and will take him to Scotland, Britain.

In Scotland, Hu will attend an informal meeting among leaders of the Group of Eight industrialized nations and five developing countries -- China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico, to discuss issues including global economy and climate change.

(Xinhua News Agency July 4, 2005)