Astana, October 2023 — Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, reaffirming China’s commitment to being a trustworthy friend and partner to Uzbekistan.
In their meeting, Xi emphasized the elevation of bilateral ties earlier this year to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era. “Our goal is both ambitious and simple, which is to deliver a better life for our people,” Xi stated, highlighting the alignment of China’s modernization efforts with Uzbekistan’s “Uzbekistan-2030” strategy.
Xi proposed that both nations advance Belt and Road cooperation, implement the medium- and long-term cooperation plan on economy, trade, and investment, and accelerate the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. He also encouraged collaboration in renewable energy sectors such as photovoltaic, wind power, and new energy vehicles, and stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in poverty reduction and social governance.
The Chinese president welcomed increased exchanges at the sub-national level and in fields like tourism and education. He invited Uzbekistan to participate as a guest country of honor at the seventh China International Import Expo.
Xi expressed readiness to work with Uzbekistan to implement the outcomes of the China-Central Asia Summit held in Xi’an, enhance coordination within the SCO framework, and ensure the organization develops in a way that serves the common interests of all parties.
President Mirziyoyev acknowledged the new era of China-Uzbekistan relations initiated earlier this year and praised China’s achievements in economy, science, and technology under Xi’s leadership. He affirmed Uzbekistan’s firm adherence to the one-China principle and its commitment to combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism.
“Uzbekistan is willing to work with China to be each other’s reliable friend and partner,” Mirziyoyev said, emphasizing mutual respect, understanding, and support. He expressed enthusiasm for promoting pragmatic cooperation across various fields to achieve fruitful results.
Mirziyoyev conveyed Uzbekistan’s willingness to closely coordinate with China within the China-Central Asia mechanism, the SCO, and other multilateral frameworks. He also expressed readiness to support and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi.
The meeting underscores the deepening ties between China and Uzbekistan, setting a course for enhanced cooperation and shared development in the region.
Reference(s):
Xi Jinping says China always a trustworthy friend of Uzbekistan
cgtn.com
