China, Uzbekistan to strengthen ties

Chen Zhili, special envoy of Chinese President Hu Jintao, pledged on Friday during talks with Uzbek President Islam Karimov to further the country's ties with the central Asian country.

Chen, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), conveyed to Karimov greetings from Chinese President Hu and top legislator Wu Bangguo.

Relations between China and Uzbekistan have been developing steadily since the two sides forged diplomatic ties, she said.

The sino-Uzbek treaty on the friendly and cooperative partnership signed by Hu and Karimov in 2005 has laid a solid foundation for the two countries to further bilateral ties, Chen said.

She recalled the meeting between the two leaders in Beijing in 2011, saying the leaders have reached consensus on further strengthening bilateral relations and signed a series of cooperation documents which have pushed forward bilateral ties to a new high.

As sino-Uzbek relations are now at a new historical point, the two countries are embracing important opportunities for development and a bright future, Chen said.

China is willing to jointly endeavor with Uzbekistan to enhance political trust and step up cooperation in all fields, in a bid to push forward the friendly cooperative partnership between the two countries and benefit the two peoples, She added.

Karimov highly valued the achievements reached by two countries in all fields since the establishment of their diplomatic ties, saying Uzbekistan attaches great importance to relations with China.

China is a reliable cooperative partner, Karimov said, adding that Uzbekistan will continue adhering to the One China policy and further promote its cooperation with China in international affairs.

Karimov also expressed his thanks for China's assistance to his country and hoped China would continue supporting his country.

The two sides also exchanged views over international and regional issues of common concern.

Uzbekistan declared independence in 1991 after the disintegration of former Soviet Union and established diplomatic relations with China in January 1992.