On August 17, 2007, Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Astana for a state visit to Kazakhstan aimed at enhancing strategic partnership with the Central Asian state.

At 21:15 local time, President Hu Jintao's special plane arrived at Astana International Airport, where he was warmly welcomed by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev and other officials.

"As neighbors, we share rivers and mountains and the two peoples enjoy a time-honored traditional friendship," Hu said in a written statement delivered upon arrival at the airport. Since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 15 years ago, good-neighborly relations and cooperation between China and Kazakhstan have witnessed rapid progress with enhanced political mutual trust, ever closer trade and economic ties and remarkable achievements in various fields of cooperation, said Hu. The two countries have also coordinated closely in regional and international affairs, which has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples, Hu noted.

"My visit is aimed at enhancing the China-Kazakhstan friendship and furthering bilateral cooperation," the Chinese president said. "I will hold talks with President Nursultan Nazarbayev, in which we will review bilateral relations, look into the prospect for bilateral cooperation, chart the direction for bilateral relations and exchange views on major international and regional issues," he said. Hu expressed belief that with the joint efforts of both sides, the visit will surely be a great success.

Vice Premier Wu Yi and other accompanying officials arrived by the same plane.

Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Zhang Xiyun and other embassy staff also greeted the Chinese delegation at the airport.

The Chinese president arrived in Astana by special plane from Russia's Chelyabinsk, where he observed a joint anti-terrorism drill staged by the six member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).