China will make joint efforts with Kazakhstan to implement the consensus reached by the two countries' leaders on developing bilateral ties and make the two countries "good neighbors, close friends and partners forever," top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin said in Beijing Thursday.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks while meeting with N. Abykaev, chairman of the Kazakhstan Senate.

China and Kazakhstan share a traditional friendship and the frequent exchange of high-level visits enhanced mutual understanding and trust since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 12 years ago, Jia said.

The two sides witnessed fruitful cooperation in politics, economic and trade cooperation, culture, education and energy, and have supported each other in the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism, he said.

The two countries have also had close coordination in regional and international institutions such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia and the United Nations, Jia said.

China appreciates the Kazakhstan government's support on the Taiwan issue, Tibet and China's strike on the East Turkistan terror group, he said.

CPPCC's exchange and cooperation with overseas partners is an important component of China's foreign affairs and the conference will enhance exchange and cooperation with the Kazakhstan Senate in a bid to further bilateral ties, he said.

Abykaev said that China was a reliable partner and great neighbor of Kazakhstan and the Kazakhstan people were grateful for China's support.

Kazakhstan admires China's achievements in all fields and will develop long-term stable good-neighborly cooperative ties with China, he said.

Abykaev reiterated that Kazakhstan adheres to the one-China policy, saying that it supports Chinese government's stance on the Taiwan issue.

Abykaev started his China tour on Wednesday as guest of Jia.
 
(Xinhua News Agency December 24, 2004)