China and Kazakhstan on November 23 signed a joint statement emphasizing their wishes to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in the 21st century.

Highlights of the statement read as follows:

-- Both sides agreed that to further consolidate bilateral relations is in keeping with the fundamental interests of the Chinese and Kazakhstan peoples.

-- It is historically important their border issues are resolved. Both sides reiterated that they will abide by the general principle that the national boundary and territorial integrity can not be violated.

-- Agreed to further develop economic and trade cooperation, adding that economic, trade, science and technology cooperative committees need to play a more active role.

-- To complete an assessment of China-Kazakhstan oil pipe project as soon as possible.

-- To improve cooperation in transportation areas along the Silk Road.

-- Delighted that consultation on the water resources in rivers along the China-Kazakhstan border has begun. They agreed to push forward negotiations that will lead to the signing of governmental agreements on water resources.

-- Agreed to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as science and technology.

-- Agreed to continue exchanges in tourism, medical services, social security, sports and youth organizations.

-- Both agreed that the international community will make efforts to protect the environment, reduce pollution levels and use natural resources wisely.

-- Both sides will coordinate efforts to effectively combat national splittism, religious extremism, terrorism, illegal arms trafficking, drug smuggling, illegal immigration and other types of crimes. Both will actively implement the Bishkek statement signed by heads of state of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan on August 25, 1999.

-- China reaffirmed its respect for Kazakhstan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that China supports the Kazakh leadership's efforts to consolidate national independence, safeguard the Constitutional system, develop the national economy and carry out social and economic reforms.

Kazakhstan reiterated that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government of China. Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and the Kazakh government opposes any attempts to create "two Chinas," or "one China, one Taiwan," and has pledged not to establish any official relations with Taiwan.

-- Both sides are willing to make joint efforts to promote improvement of the situation in the Asia-Pacific region to ensure peace, security and stability, adding that the two countries will participate in bilateral and multilateral consultations on security issues in Asia.

-- Both sides stressed the importance of engaging in exchange of views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, and are willing to conduct bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Both sides follow the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law and will work together to establish a fair and reasonable new political and economic order internationally. (Xinhua)