Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao conveyed this message Tuesday to Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People.

Hu said the efforts of Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Nazarbayev have helped China-Kazakhstan ties keep a good momentum, and mutual political trust has reached unprecedented heights.

China and Kazakhstan have successfully resolved the boundary issue, and cooperation in a wide range of fields has seen remarkable achievements, he added.

The vice-president pointed out that Jiang and Nazarbayev held talks on Monday and signed the China-Kazakhstan Good-Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, which has shaped long-term plans and laid down a solid judicial foundation for the development of bilateral ties in the new century.

Terrorism, separatism and extremism pose a severe threat to the lives of the local people as well as to the regional security and stability at large, Hu said, adding that the agreement on joining hands to combat the threat signed by China and Kazakhstan is beneficial to safeguarding the peace and stability of the two countries and the region as a whole.

He also extended appreciation for the achievements Kazakhstan has made since its independence as well as for its role in international and regional affairs.

Nazarbayev said he has met with some Chinese leaders during his current visit, and they have exchanged views on many issues and reached comprehensive consensus, adding that this trip will push forward the growth of Kazakhstan-China ties.

Kazakhstan will strive to enhance the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and actively combat terrorism, separatism and extremism, so as to safeguard lasting peace and stability and boost economic development in the region.

Nazarbayev arrived here Sunday for a four-day state visit as Jiang's guest.

(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2002)