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China, Kazakhstan discuss gas pipeline
(China Daily)
Updated: 2006-01-11 05:47
China and Kazakhstan are discussing the construction of a natural gas
transportation system following an oil pipeline linking the two countries was
built in December.
This was one of the topics that visiting Vice-President Zeng Qinghong
discussed with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Astana yesterday.
Technicians do the welding after connecting
the oil pipeline linking China and Kazakhstan in the Alataw Pass Monday
November 14, 2005. [Xinhua] | "I attended the
inauguration of the Atasu-Alashankou oil pipeline last December and we are
currently discussing the construction of a natural gas transportation system,"
the Kazakh leader was quoted by RIA Novosti News Agency as saying.
Zeng arrived in the Kazakh capital on Monday for a four-day official visit
and will attend, on behalf of Chinese President Hu Jintao, the inauguration
ceremony of the country's re-elected President Nazarbayev.
"To promote the sound development of bilateral ties, the two sides should
expand economic and trade partnerships by improving investment and pushing for
co-operation in significant projects," Zeng said during a meeting with the
president.
Nazarbayev is expected to be inaugurated for his third term as president
today.
With oil-rich Kazakhstan looking to increase crude supplies to China,
Nazarbayev praised co-operation in the energy field between the two nations.
The US$700 million pipeline, with an initial annual capacity of 10 million
tons of oil and a full capacity of 20 million tons, is expected to start
operation in May.
Nazarbayev said he hopes the bilateral trade volume could increase to US$10
billion this year.
According to the official statistics, between January and November last year,
the trade volume between China and Kazakhstan reached more than US$6.1 billion.
Besides bilateral trade, the two countries have been co-operating with each
other under the framework of the United Nations, the Shanghai Co-operation
Organization and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures
in Asia.
While expressing his appreciation for Kazakhstan's support of China on
questions such as Taiwan, Tibet and its crackdown on "the three evil forces"
terrorism, extremism and separatism, Zeng said China will always support
Kazakhstan's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, independence and national
stability.
"No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China will
remain Kazakhstan's good neighbour, sincere friend and reliable partner," Zeng
said, adding that China is willing to work with Kazakhstan to push the
relationship to a new level.
(China Daily 01/11/2006 page2)
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