"China-Kazakhstan relationship holds an important position in China's foreign relations," Hu said in a meeting with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev on the eve of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

Hu hailed the sound development of China-Kazakhstan ties, citing remarkable achievements in politics, economy and trade, energy, security and culture.

The strong China-Kazakhstan relations are bolstered by deep political trust, solid legal foundation, effective cooperation of mutual benefit, fruitful non-governmental exchanges and close coordination on international affairs, the president said.

"China is ready to boost China-Kazakhstan ties, promote the good-neighborly friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation and lift the strategic partnership to a new high," Hu said.

Hu proposed that the two sides push forward energy and gas cooperation, and jointly work for the initial stage of constructing the cross-border trade zone at Korgas port.

Nazarbayev said Kazakhstan will be committed to its strategic partnership with China, and will expand the two countries' cooperation in trade, energy, education and other fields.

"As Kazakhstan and China have identical stances and share interests on fighting the three forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism, we will step up our cooperation with China," Nazarbayev said.

While appreciating the support China has offered to the CICA, Nazarbayev said he looks forward to seeing Hu at the CICA summit, which is scheduled for June 17 in Kazakhstan.

After the meeting, the two presidents attended a ceremony for the signing of some China-Kazakhstan cooperative documents.