Chinese FM, Uzbek acting FM pledge to implement consensus of heads of state, strengthen all-round cooperation

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang (L) meets with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on April 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

TASHKENT, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov pledged Wednesday to implement the important consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries and expand their all-round cooperation, so as to benefit the two peoples.

During their talks here, the two sides expressed satisfaction with the development of the China-Uzbekistan comprehensive strategic partnership.

Qin said that under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of the two countries, mutual trust between China and Uzbekistan has been continuously strengthened, mutually beneficial cooperation has been continuously expanded, and the bilateral relationship meets important opportunities for development.

China stands ready to work with Uzbekistan to continue to stay firmly committed to their respective core interests, make the "pie" of cooperation bigger, and strengthen the synergy on Belt and Road cooperation, Qin said.

China is willing to work with Uzbekistan to speed up the implementation of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, improve the capacity of the China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan railway and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway, strengthen cooperation on the multimodal transport of highways and railways linking China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, realize the normal operation of the China-Tajikistan-Uzbekistan highway as soon as possible, open more direct flights, and facilitate personnel exchanges, Qin added.

The two sides should strengthen practical cooperation, draw on each other's advantages and achieve common development, Qin said, adding that China encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest in Uzbekistan and is willing to expand imports of Uzbekistan's quality products.

Qin emphasized that Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, which are widely supported by the international community. China is willing to strengthen coordination with Uzbekistan, jointly implement the three initiatives, and make "China-Uzbekistan contributions" to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Qin said.

China speaks highly of Uzbekistan's extensive efforts for the foreign ministers' meeting among the neighboring countries of Afghanistan, and believes that the meeting will be a complete success and demonstrate the unique role and important influence of the coordination and cooperation mechanism of Afghanistan's neighboring countries, said the Chinese foreign minister.

For his part, Saidov congratulated China on successfully achieving its first centenary goal and marching toward building a great modern country under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

Thanks to the deepening mutual trust between the heads of state of the two countries and their personal care, Uzbekistan-China relations have reached an unprecedented high level, Saidov said, thanking China for its strong support of Uzbekistan in safeguarding independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as promoting the country's development and reform.

He said that the Uzbekistan-China comprehensive strategic partnership is becoming mature, and Uzbekistan looks forward to strengthening all-round cooperation between the two countries and learning from China's experience in governance and administration, such as its experience in poverty reduction.

Uzbekistan welcomes China to expand investment in the country, and will continue to fully support and actively participate in the Belt and Road, build the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway into an exemplary project, and enhance the connectivity of Eurasia, said Saidov.

He appreciated China's support for Uzbekistan's holding of the foreign ministers' meeting among the neighboring countries of Afghanistan, saying that China actively participates in global governance and has made important contributions to the peace, progress, development and prosperity of mankind. Uzbekistan is willing to maintain close coordination with China on international and regional affairs, he added.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues of common concern.

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang (L) and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov board a Chinese-made new energy bus in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on April 12, 2023. (Chinese Embassy in Uzbekistan/Handout via Xinhua)