Vice President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for strengthening mutual support, strategic coordination and pragmatic cooperation between China and Kazakhstan in order to boost the overall state of bilateral relations.

The proposal was made by Xi during his meeting with Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Masimov at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi applauded the robust growth of bilateral relations in the 20 years since the establishment of ties, noting that China has always prioritized its relations with Kazakhstan in its foreign policy.

"The two sides should use the anniversary of the establishment of relations to boost bilateral ties to a higher level," Xi said.

Both countries should give full play to their complementary energy industries and boost cooperation in clean energy and infrastructure construction, Xi said.

Xi said central Asian nations are close neighbors of China and have played an increasingly important role in global affairs.

"China regards central Asian nations as good neighbors, friends and partners," Xi said, adding that China will uphold favorable policies for central Asian countries and support their efforts to explore their own development paths and maintain stability.

Echoing Xi's views on bilateral relations, Masimov recalled the establishment of their bilateral partnership during President Hu Jintao's 2011 visit.

Bilateral relations are currently in top form and Kazakhstan will work closely with China to promote bilateral cooperation in multiple fields, Masimov said.

Masimov reiterated Kazakhstan's adherence to the one-China policy, adding that the country firmly backs China's efforts to combat separatism.

Masimov arrived in China on Friday to begin an official visit at the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao. He co-chaired a meeting between the two countries' prime ministers with Wen on Saturday and will attend the 2012 annual conference of Boao Forum for Asia, which will be held from April 1 to 3 in south China's Hainan province.