China's 150-person delegation issued a press statement upon Hu's arrival lauding its ties with the oil-rich former Soviet republic.

In the spheres of energy and security "our relationship deepens constantly," the Chinese statement said.

Hu met Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev for a ceremonial welcoming ahead of official talks scheduled for Monday.

Kazakhstan's foreign ministry said anti-terrorism, energy and transport issues would top Monday's agenda.

The leaders were expected to sign a declaration on "the creation and development of a strategic partnership," and a raft of other bilateral agreements.

Kazakhstan is a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a security grouping anchored by Russia and China, which has styled itself as a counterweight to US global dominance.

Hu and Nazarbayev will join the leaders of Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as representatives of India, Iran and Pakistan who have requested observer status, at the SCO's two-day summit.

Hu told China's official Xinhua news agency that SCO members faced the triple threat of terrorism, extremism and separatism, ahead of his arrival in Astana.

The Chinese leader arrived in Kazakhstan after a four-day visit to Moscow where Hu and Russian President Vladimir Putin took a swipe at US global power by vowing to counter attempts by any state to "dominate international affairs."

Hu is also due to attend a Group of Eight summit in Scotland Wednesday through Friday.

Related Links
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express