Xi calls for opening new chapter in China-Kazakhstan relations

President says he expects to experience firsthand the country's new progress

President Xi Jinping said he looks forward to meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to plan the way forward for closer China-Kazakhstan cooperation and draw a new blueprint for the further growth of bilateral relations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Xi, who began a state visit to the Central Asian country on Tuesday, made the remark in a signed article published on the same day in the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper and by the Kazinform International News Agency.

Having made four visits to Kazakhstan as Chinese president, Xi said the country's enchanting land, splendid and distinctive culture and vast and magnificent landscape, as well as its nice and friendly people, have been most impressive.