Nurlan Zhakupov and CNPC President Hou Qijun “compared positions” on joint projects in the energy and oil and gas sectors.   In particular, new areas of cooperation were discussed – geological exploration and renewable energy. The issues of expanding existing projects - the Shymkent Oil Refinery and the Kazakhstan-China oil pipeline were also touched upon. During the visit, QazaqGaz and Petrochina International signed the Agreement for sale and purchase of a natural gas, and the Fund, the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and CNPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding on implementation of a renewable energy project.   For information: China National Petroleum Corporation – established in 1998 on the basis of the former Ministry of Petroleum Industry of the People’s Republic of China. The company is the largest producer and supplier of oil and gas in China.