On March 31, 2012, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Kazakhstan Prime Minister Karim Masimov held the 1st Prime Ministers’ Regular Meeting at the Great Hall of the People.

Wen said in recent years the two countries have assisted each other and joined hands in coping with the global financial crisis, adding that pragmatic cooperation has enjoyed a strong momentum. He was glad to start the regular meeting mechanism on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. "It is an important step to promote the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership and will certainly strengthen overall coordination of bilateral exchanges and cooperation in all fields so as to resolve major issues and create new cooperation fields," Wen said.

Wen said the world economic recovery and growth will be a tortuous process. Wen urged the two countries to maintain confidence in the world economy's recovery, and to plan for trade and economic ties and for cooperation between border regions. He proposed the two sides improve the legislative framework for cooperation, and begin negotiations as soon as possible to sign agreements on border port management and short-term labor services. The premier urged the two sides to enhance coordination between the government departments and enterprises so as to upgrade border port facilities. He also urged both sides to well build the Horgos International Center of Boundary Cooperation. Wen vowed to implement the extension project of the China-Kazakhstan oil pipeline, and promote more new large-scale projects in energy and infrastructure. He also suggested the two countries implement consensus reached under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) so as to stimulate regional economic cooperation.

Masimov said since the establishment of diplomatic ties 20 years ago, the exchanges and cooperation in various fields have achieved fruitful results. The Kazakh side sincerely thanks for China’s help and support. The start of the regular meeting mechanism will greatly promote and safeguard both sides’ common interests and push forward bilateral ties. The Kazakh side is willing to take this opportunity to keep close communication and coordination with China, implement the consensus reached and resolve problems. He said his country will deepen traditional cooperation with China and tap potential in new energy fields. He asked the two sides to expand cooperation in infrastructure construction and inject new vitality into the economic growth of the two countries. Masimov also pledged to support the SCO summit to be held later this year in Beijing.

The two prime ministers inked a joint communique following the talks.

Before their meeting, Wen held a welcoming ceremony for Masimov at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Gu Shengzu, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the China National Democratic Construction Association, Minister of Railways Sheng Guangzu, Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun, Vice Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhu Zhixin, China International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng and Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Zhou Li attended the welcome ceremony.