President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Kasymzhomart Tokaev, chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing, capital of China, Januany 24, 2008.

President Hu Jintao met in Beijing on Thursday with Kasymzhomart Tokaev, chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan.

Hu said China and Kazakhstan relations had developed rapidly since they forged diplomatic ties 16 years ago, and the leaders maintained close contacts and mutual understanding had increased.

He praised the consultation between the two countries in international and regional affairs, saying he was satisfied with China-Kazakhstan relations.

"China and Kazakhstan are good neighbors, as well as strategic partners," Hu said.

Hu stressed China valued relations with Kazakhstan and would strengthen the strategic partnership.

He also said China supported the exchanges of the legislative organs, special committees, as well as the parliament members groups between the two countries.

Tokaev said Kazakhstan and China would face an important period to develop the bilateral ties, and Kazakhstan hoped to realize the agreements of the two sides to expand the cooperation.

He said Kazakhstan parliament would learn from the National People's Congress in the legislative field.
 
(Xinhua News Agency January 25, 2008)