President says China and Kazakhstan will work closely in economic, security and cultural areas

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds talks with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Astana, Kazakhstan, May 7, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping first proposed the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative 20 months ago in Kazakhstan, and on Thursday he and his counterpart in the Central Asian country agreed to step up cooperation over the trans-Eurasianmega project.

Xi was visiting Kazakhstan for the second time since he became president, and he is the first foreign leader to be received since President Nursultan Nazarbayev was reelected last month.

Xi and first lady Peng Liyuan were greeted at Astana airport by the host country's prime minister and first deputy prime minister.

Nazarbayev and Xi discussed a series of major programs. Xi said the comprehensive strategic partnership between the neighboring countries is "showing the momentum of rapid development".

"Cooperation over a number of matters is progressing smoothly "and both sides should continue their efforts in cooperative projects regarding infrastructure and connectivity, Xi said.

The two sides are expected to work closely in a number of areas, including economic matters, security and culture, to benefit the people of both countries, Xi added.

Nazarbayev said Kazakhstan is ready to become an important partner of China's in building the Silk Road Economic Belt, especially in production capacity and energy.

The Silk Road initiative unveiled by Xi in a speech at Astana in September 2013 during his first visit-has received a warm welcome and positive responses from countries along the expected route.