Hu Jintao visits Kazakhstan

cctv.com 07-04-2005 09:16

Chinese President Hu Jintao has arrived in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, for a two-day state visit. While there, he will also attend a summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Winding up a four-day visit to Russia, the Chinese head of state arrived in Astana on Sunday afternoon, aiming to strengthen ties with Kazakhstan.

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

On Sunday evening, Hu Jintao inspected a guard of honor at a welcoming ceremony, which was followed by a banquet hosted by Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Hu Jintao is scheduled to hold talks with Nazarbayev on Monday. According to the Kazakhstani foreign ministry, both sides will sign a number of agreements on trade, energy, transport and border cooperation.

Trade between the two sides totaled 4.5 billion US dollars last year and is expected to reach 5 billion this year. Apart from ties with Kazakhstan, regional security cooperation will also be high on the agenda during Hu Jintao's stay in Astana.

On Tuesday, the Chinese leader will attend a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The organization groups China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It was formed four years ago to promote security cooperation among its six members.

After Kazakhstan, Hu Jintao will head to Scotland for talks with leaders from the Group of Eight industrialized nations.

Editor:Wang Ping  Source:CCTV.com