China and Uzbekistan signed a treaty on friendly and cooperative partnership Wednesday at the start of Uzbek President Islam Karimov's three-day state visit to China.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) holds a welcome ceremony for Islam Karimov, president of Uzbekistan, in Beijing on May 25, 2005. Islam Karimov arrived here Wednesday, starting a three-day state visit to China aimed at boosting bilateral ties.

"The signing of the treaty demonstrates the two people's common will and determination to keep traditional friendship. It also lays down a sound political and legal foundation for the long-term development of China-Uzbekistan ties," Chinese President Hu Jintao told his Uzbek counterpart during their official meeting.

Hu said the Chinese government values its relations with Uzbekistan and will follow the treaty to enforce China-Uzbekistan traditional friendship and partnership and promote all-round cooperation to seek common development.

The Chinese president also expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan's adherence to the one-China policy and its support to China's efforts for national reunification.

"China respects the way that the Uzbek people's choose to develop their country and their efforts in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territory integrity," Hu said.

Karimov said the treaty indicates that the relationship between Uzbekistan and China has entered a new stage.

"It lays down a solid foundation for the two countries to develop a new strategic partnership," Karimov said.

China and Uzbekistan also signed 13 documents on economic and technological cooperation on Wednesday.

Hu said the two countries should try to promote cooperation in the fields of oil, gas, mining, telecommunications, transportation and infrastructure construction.

"China encourages and supports businesses from the two countries to increase exchanges and cooperation in trade and investment," Hu said, calling on related departments of both countries to create conditions.

Hu also gave his word that China will support Uzbekistan to join the World Trade Organization.

Karimov said Uzbekistan and China have witnessed rapid growth in economic and trade cooperation over recent years and they still enjoy great potential for cooperation.

China and Uzbekistan are both members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional organization founded in 2001. In 2004, SCO launched a regional anti-terror agency in Uzbekistan's capital Tashkent.

Hu said China and Central Asian countries enjoy common interests in safeguarding regional peace, stability and security and in seeking common development and prosperity.

China wants to strengthen coordination with other countries in the region, bilateral or within the framework of the SCO, to jointly crack down on the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and to maintain regional peace, stability and security.

Karimov said Uzbekistan and China share consistent stances concerning safeguarding regional peace and security.

Uzbekistan appreciates China's important role in international affairs and is ready to continue strengthening cooperation with China for regional peace and security.

Karimov arrived in Beijing Wednesday afternoon. This is his fourth trip to China since assuming the presidency.

Source: Xinhua