Kazakhstan, China map out new plan of cooperation

Within the framework of his official visit to China President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev met with Vice President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping on Wednesday (June 6).

"You are an old friend of Chinese people and go to great lengths to develop friendship and cooperation between our countries. We highly estimate your great contribution to the strengthening of Kazakh-Chinese friendly ties," Xi Jinping said at the meeting.

Vice President of the People's Republic of China noted that Kazakh and Chinese leaders had mapped out a new strategic multilateral plan of development of cooperation between Kazakhstan and China. "I am confident your official visit will give a new great impetus," Xi Jinping added.

"Kazakhstan is a relatively young country that has recently celebrated 20 years of independence. China was one of the first powers to recognize our independence. We started our relationship from ground zero. 20 years ago we had nothing, no economy at all. The inflation rate amounted to 2100 per cent per annum," President Nazarbayev stressed.

"However, within a short period we implemented intensive reforms in economy and politics. We created free market economy. Thanks to our actions, over the last 15 years our economy has witnessed a surprising surge," Nursultan Nazarbayev added.

It was the first meeting of Nursultan Nazarbayev with Xi Jinping.