China and Uzbekistan have taken a significant step to strengthen their relationship, with both countries pledging to enhance cooperation across various sectors. On Sunday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov in Chengdu, a city in southwest China’s Sichuan Province.
During their meeting, Wang Yi emphasized the special status of Uzbekistan as China’s first “all-weather comprehensive strategic partner” in the new era. He highlighted the unique and strategic nature of their bilateral relations and called for both sides to achieve more high-quality outcomes in their collaboration.
“We should continuously expand and strengthen our cooperation in key areas and promote development in emerging sectors,” Wang Yi said. He also stressed the importance of deepening energy cooperation and enhancing law enforcement and security efforts to combat terrorism, separatism, extremism, and transnational organized crime.
Bakhtiyor Saidov expressed Uzbekistan’s eagerness to learn from China’s successful experiences. He voiced his commitment to deepen the Belt and Road Initiative collaboration and pursue mutually beneficial projects, such as advancing the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway.
“Uzbekistan welcomes more Chinese tourists and is ready to take further measures to facilitate exchanges between our peoples,” Saidov noted.
In a move that signifies the growing closeness between the two nations, China and Uzbekistan signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption following the meeting. This agreement is expected to boost tourism and strengthen cultural and economic ties.
Reference(s):
China, Uzbekistan pledge to advance high-quality cooperation
cgtn.com
