Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev signed a joint declaration in Astana on Tuesday aimed at boosting cooperation between the two countries.

The declaration was endorsed after bilateral talks between the two leaders at the presidential palace. Several other documents on bilateral cooperation in different fields were also signed.

Speaking at a joint press conference after the signing of the documents, President Hu said that he had a "fruitful and friendly" discussion with Nazarbayev and both sides were "very satisfied" with the development of Sino-Kazakhstan relations.

Speaking on the same occasion, Nazarbayev expressed his sincere thanks for China's generous support and aid to his country since it became independent.

Earlier Tuesday morning, Nazarbayev presided over a ceremony at the presidential palace to welcome President Hu, who inspected the guards of honor accompanied by Nazarbayev.

President Hu arrived in Astana on Monday for a two-day state visit to the central Asian country.

(Xinhua News Agency June 3, 2003)