Chinese President Hu Jintao has arrived in Kazakhstan, to begin an official state visit. The central Asian country is the first stop on his week-long tour, which will also take him to Russia and Ukraine.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) and his wife Liu Yongqing arrive in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, June 12, 2011, for a state visit and an annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

In a written speech released at Astana Airport, the President hailed the growth of ties between China and Kazakhstan, in the 19 years since the two sides established diplomatic relations. He and his Kazakh counterpart, Nursultan Nazarbayev, are expected to hold talks on further developing the strategic partnership.

Hu Jintao will also attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana. This gathering marks the 10th anniversary of the SCO.