Chinese VP calls for boosting China-Kazakhstan ties

BEIJING, March 31 (Xinhua) -- 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.