Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Nurlуbek Nalibayev has chaired the fifth meeting of the working group on bilateral cooperation with China in the oil and gas sector.

The meeting was attended by Energy Minister Erlan Akkenzhenov, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Chairman Zhou Xinhuai, and heads and representatives of national oil and gas companies from both countries, The Caspian Post reports, citing the Kazakh Government's press service.

The participants discussed the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation, as well as progress in implementing previously reached agreements.

Nalibayev highlighted the high level of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the timely implementation of joint energy projects.

The agenda included increasing oil supplies, expanding oil pipeline capacity, intensifying geological exploration, developing cooperation in the gas sector, expanding the capacity of the Shymkent Oil Refinery, implementing petrochemical projects and strengthening cooperation in the new energy sector.

The sides also examined opportunities to continue cooperation in subsoil use, extend existing contracts and resolve issues arising during the implementation of joint projects.

Following the meeting, Nalibayev stressed the need to accelerate joint projects, find mutually beneficial solutions to pressing issues and ensure that agreements are implemented on time.

Earlier, it was reported that Kazakhstan was considering expanding its Kazakhstan-China oil pipeline system to secure additional crude oil supplies to the Shymkent Oil Refinery. The project предусматривает the construction of five new pumping stations and an additional 189-kilometre pipeline section.