China has stated its readiness to ensure high-quality execution of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, as well as its intention to expand trade and economic interaction with Tashkent. This statement was made by Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Li Qiang expressed Beijing's interest in increasing the share of competitive Chinese companies in the Uzbek market and hoped that Uzbekistan would continue to create favorable conditions for business and investment.
According to the Chinese Premier, bilateral relations have developed in recent years thanks to the strategic leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He emphasized that amid the complex international situation, both countries must strengthen solidarity, expand cooperation, and provide mutual support on issues affecting their core interests.
China plans to work with Uzbekistan to increase bilateral trade and improve its structure. Li Qiang identified energy, mining, finance, and transport connectivity as priority areas for cooperation.
Furthermore, the sides intend to deepen cooperation in scientific and technological innovations, including artificial intelligence, green economy, and aerospace technologies. The Premier also called for strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties and the prompt opening of cultural centers of the two countries on each other's territory.
The Chinese Premier noted Beijing's readiness to align positions with Tashkent on key international issues and expand cooperation through multilateral platforms such as the China-Central Asia mechanism and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
In turn, Mirziyoyev congratulated the Communist Party of China on its 105th anniversary, noting that under Xi Jinping's leadership, China is confidently moving towards national rejuvenation. The President of Uzbekistan characterized the current stage of bilateral relations as a 'golden age.' He specified that the meeting with the Chinese president on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek determined the future vectors of cooperation.
Mirziyoyev confirmed Uzbekistan's commitment to the One China principle and support for Beijing's efforts to protect its key interests. He also expressed readiness to continue joint efforts against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Uzbekistan welcomes the growing presence of Chinese enterprises and intends to jointly accelerate the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, as well as develop exchanges in various fields.
The President of Uzbekistan also supported four global initiatives proposed by Xi Jinping and expressed a desire to strengthen partnership with China within the multilateral agenda, which, in his opinion, will contribute to the development of an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries in a new era.