Chinese Vice-President Meets Uzbekistani Defense Minister

Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao said Friday that China will further expand and strengthen cooperation in all fields with Uzbekistan, including the joint combat against national separatism, international terrorism, religious extremism and other cross-nation crimes.

Hu, who is also the vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in his meeting with visiting Uzbekistani Defense Minister Yuri Agzamov.

China-Uzbekistan relations have seen sound development since the two countries forged diplomatic ties, Hu said. The expansion of such relations are "in the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples and conducive to regional peace, stability and development", he noted.

Hu said 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 heads of state extensively exchanged views on bilateral ties, regional and global issues, and reached a broad consensus. He also said that the meeting between the two presidents laid solid foundation for the healthy and stable growth of bilateral ties in the long run.

Hu spoke highly of Uzbekistan's consistent support to China on the Taiwan issue and China will give Uzbekistan support in its effort to safeguard national stability, regional security and the advancement of economic development.

Agzamov considered his current visit to China "an important follow-up step" to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state. Uzbekistan can "learn from China" in its army building, he said. Sharing Hu's view on bilateral ties, the minister said that Uzbekistan will consistently adhere to the One-China principle and support the stance of the Chinese government on the Taiwan issue.

Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission, State Councilor and Defense Minister Chi Haotian was among those present at the meeting.



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