BEIJING, Sept. 23 -- China is ready to strengthen defense cooperation with Kazakhstan and other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), said Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Tuesday.

Li told Kazakh Minister of Defense Serik Akhmetov in their meeting that China will expand substantial cooperation with SCO members in other areas, including economic development and improvement of people's livelihood.

The pledge comes as China is pushing forward a new round of opening up, especially for exchanges with its western neighbors.

Li spoke highly of the development of China-Kazakhstan relations and the steady support that the two countries give each other on major issues involving their core interests and major concerns.

He said he is looking forward to visiting Kazakhstan within the year to promote the development of bilateral relationship and further building the SCO, as well as attending the annual meeting for prime ministers of SCO members.

Akhmetov echoed Li by saying that Kazakhstan is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in national defense and military technology.

He said Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Masimov is looking forward to Li's visit and the SCO prime ministers' meeting.