Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev held talks in Astana on Thursday, with the two leaders agreeing to strengthen the partnership between their countries.

They lauded the achievements China and Kazakhstan have made together since establishing diplomatic ties 25 years ago, and also eyed a fruitful future in cooperation, agreeing to integrate the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Kazakhstan's development strategy of "Nurly Zhol," or "Bright Path" in the Kazakh language.

The two countries also issued a statement pledging to enhance bilateral ties and deepen cooperation. 

Aside from bilateral talks, President Xi will also attend the 17th Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and the opening ceremony of the World Expo in the coming two days.