Xi urges enhanced Kazakh relations (3)

President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, June 7, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hailing Kazakhstan as an important neighbor of China as well as a major country with regional influence, Xi said that China-Kazakhstan relations have set a model for friendship among neighboring countries.

Nazarbayev spoke highly of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, saying that it is fundamental for China's development.

Kazakhstan firmly upholds the one-China policy, and the nation will resolutely fight the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism, Nazarbayev said.

Mentioning that China has respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kazakhstan, Nazarbayev said that the people of Kazakhstan will never forget China's support for his country.

China is a major trade partner of Kazakhstan, and bilateral trade increased by more than 30 percent last year, Nazarbayev said.