China, Kazakhstan start 1st Premiers Regular Meeting

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Kazakhstan Prime Minister Karim Masimov on Saturday opened the 1st Premiers Regular Meeting.

Wen said he was glad to start the regular meeting mechanism on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"It is an important step to promote the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership and will certainly strengthen overall coordination of the two sides in all fields so as to resolve major issues and create new cooperation fields," Wen said.

"The two governments have enjoyed effective coordination. We need to continue to promote China-Kazakhstan political mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation to a higher level."

Wen urged the two countries to maintain confidence in the world economy's recovery, and to plan for trade and economic ties and for cooperation between border regions.

He proposed the two sides improve the legislative framework for cooperation, and begin negotiations as soon as possible to sign agreements on border port management and short-term labor services.

The premier urged the two sides to enhance coordination between the government and enterprises so as to upgrade border port facilities. He highlighted the international cooperation center in Houerguosi Port.

Wen also vowed to implement the extension project of the Sino-Kazakhstan oil pipeline, and promote more new large-scale projects in energy and infrastructure.

He also suggested the two countries implement consensus reached under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) so as to stimulate regional economic cooperation.

Masimov said the the mechanism is an implementation of an important consensus reached by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Chinese President Hu Jintao, and he believes that it will benefit the two countries and their peoples.

He said his country will deepen traditional cooperation with China and tap potential in new energy fields.

He asked the two sides to expand cooperation in infrastructure construction and pledged to support the SCO summit to be held later this year in Beijing.

The two prime ministers inked a joint communique following the talks.

Before their meeting, Wen held a welcoming ceremony for Masimov at the Great Hall of the People.