On April 29, a telephone conversation took place between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.

The heads of state exchanged warm congratulations and best wishes on the upcoming important anniversaries: this year, the PRC widely celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party’s establishment, and Uzbekistan celebrates its 30th anniversary of independence. The leaders wished the two friendly peoples peace, well-being and prosperity.

The current issues of the bilateral and international agenda were discussed.

The high level of Uzbekistan – China friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership achieved in recent years, the dynamic development of multifaceted cooperation between the two countries was noted with deep satisfaction.

The President of China highly appreciated and expressed all-round support for the socio-economic reforms and transformations carried out in Uzbekistan aimed at improving the level and quality of life of the population in the country. An agreement was reached to continue close interaction in matters of in-depth study of China’s vast accumulated experience in poverty alleviation.

The President of Uzbekistan sincerely thanked the leader of China for practical assistance in combating the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Authorized agencies and organizations of Uzbekistan and China will enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in healthcare, deepen joint effective work on mass vaccination of the population.

The President of Uzbekistan reaffirmed his support for the “One China” policy and the opposition to the “three evil forces” – terrorism, extremism and separatism.

The ongoing fruitful dialogue within the framework of the Belt and Road initiative, including on the promotion of important infrastructure projects in the region, including the PRC – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan road and railways, was noted. The proposal of the Uzbek side to strengthen the connectivity of Central and South Asia was supported.

The leaders dwelled on the issues of enhancing trade, economic, investment and financial cooperation.

It was emphasized that in difficult conditions, it was possible to minimize the negative consequences of the pandemic and ensure the growth of mutual trade by 33 percent since the beginning of this year. The implementation of important joint programs and projects continues. Both countries are making good headway towards achieving a trade turnover of $10 billion in the coming years, as well as balancing export and import indicators. Uzbekistan will take an active part in the next China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

The heads of state spoke in favor of strengthening cooperation between the leading enterprises of Uzbekistan and China in different sectors of the economy, as well as mutual assistance in promoting projects in high-tech sectors of the economy. The preparation and adoption of a joint medium-term program of full-scale trade, economic and investment cooperation were agreed upon.

The current level of the fruitful partnership of the leading banking and financial institutions of Uzbekistan with China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China, the Silk Road Fund, as well as within the framework of international financial organizations was highly appreciated.

The leaders gave instructions to strengthen the activities of Uzbekistan – China Intergovernmental Committee and hold its next meeting soon.

The main attention was paid to the continuation of inter-parliamentary ties, the resumption of intensive exchanges between the regions of the two countries, as well as enhancing the program of cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere.

Views were exchanged on the issues of the international agenda and regional interaction, including in the “China – Central Asia” format.

Issues of deepening multilateral relations and practical interaction within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, holding a summit of this organization in Uzbekistan were discussed. The important role of the current SCO Contact Group in promoting the peace process and economic reconstruction in Afghanistan was noted.

The Leaders reviewed the schedule of the upcoming events at the highest level and noted the importance of careful preparation of the planned visit of the President of China to Uzbekistan as an important historical event in developing full-scale cooperation, strengthening the centuries-old friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership.

The telephone conversation between the Presidents of Uzbekistan and China took place in a traditionally open, friendly and confidential atmosphere.

Source: UzA