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)