Chinese, Uzbekistani Defense Ministers Hold TalksChinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian said Thursday that China is willing to strengthen military exchanges and cooperation with Uzbekistan.Chi, who is also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, made the remarks in talks with visiting Defense Minister of Uzbekistan Yuri Agzamov. China-Uzbekistan relations have been developing smoothly since the two countries forged diplomatic ties, Chi said, adding that the two sides have maintained close high-level contacts. Chinese President Jiang Zemin met with Uzbekistani President Islam Abduganiyevich Karimov at the "Shanghai Five" summit held in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe in July. The two presidents reached broad consensus, Chi said. Agzamov's current visit to China is an important follow-up step to the achievements of the meeting between the two heads of state, the Chinese defense minister said. China and Uzbekistan share the same or similar views and have common interests on many major international and regional issues, according to Chi. China is willing to work with Uzbekistan within the framework of bilateral relations and the "Shanghai Five" summit to safeguard peace and stability and to promote cooperation and development in the region, Chi said. China will also be happy to strengthen its military relations with Uzbekistan and try to upgrade the friendly cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries, Chi said. Agzamov said that he agrees with Chi that the relations between the two countries have been developing quickly in recent years. He said that the frequent two-way visits at all levels have expanded the mutual cooperation and also laid a solid foundation for the further development of bilateral ties. Agzamov said that his country will stick to the One-China policy and maintains that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. Both countries face the task of developing their national economies and hope for a peaceful and stable environment, he said. Agzamov briefed the Chinese side on Uzbekistan's domestic situation and the situation in central Asia. Prior to the talks, Chi held a welcoming ceremony for Agzamov. Agzamov arrived in Beijing Wednesday for a four-day goodwill visit to China at the invitation of Chi. |
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