On April, 29, 2003, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met with Kazakhstan President Nazarbayev in Almaty, during which they exchanged views on bilateral relations.

Li said that China-Kazakhstan good-neighborly and friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation have enjoyed rapid development and yielded notable results. The two countries have solved the boundary issue left over from history once and for all, underscoring the political mutual trust between the two countries. He noted that the cooperation treaty of good-neighborliness and friendship signed by the heads of state of the two countries has pointed out direction for the future development of bilateral relations and ushered in even broader prospect for bilateral ties. He went on to say that the new leaders of China attach great importance to the maintenance and development of long-term stable cooperative relations of good-neighborliness and friendship between China and Kazakhstan and set store by high-level contacts between the two countries, adding that President Hu Jintao himself very much values his personal friendship and good working relationship with President Nazarbayev.

Li spoke highly of the achievements Kazakhstan has scored on both domestic and foreign fronts since its independence. He thanked the Kazakhstan side for its support to China on such questions as Taiwan, Tibet and opposing East Turkistan forces, voicing the hope that the two countries will continue to step up cooperation in Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Nazarbayev said he completely agreed with Li’s appraisal of bilateral relations. He said bilateral relations have been built on the foundation of good-neighborliness, friendship and mutual trust in the 10-plus years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, which can be best reflected by the frequent contacts between the leaders of the two countries, the complete solution of the boundary issue and the breakthrough in economic relations and trade. He added that the two countries should constantly consolidate the foundation of their bilateral ties.

Nazarbayev said that there are no factors whatsoever hindering the development of bilateral relations, adding that the Kazakhstan side adheres to the One China principle and opposes ethnic separation and extremist forces in any form.

They also exchanged views on the current international situation.