The friendship between China and Uzbekistan is growing deeper and stronger, said Chinese President Xi Jinping, during talks with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Beijing on January 24.
- said Xi JInping.
China and Uzbekistan upgraded their ties to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era during the talks between Xi and Mirziyoyev.
"It is a pleasure to receive you here in Beijing, my old friend, President Mirziyoyev, ahead of the imminent Chinese New Year of the Dragon. I'd like to talk about our friendship and discuss China-Uzbekistan cooperation with you. Uzbekistan was the first Central Asian country to establish diplomatic ties with China 32 years ago. The people of the two countries have carried forward the Silk Road spirit and friendship for generations and restarted mutually beneficial cooperation since then. The tree of the China-Uzbekistan friendship is taking deeper roots and is full of vitality. Now, together with you, I'd like to announce that China and Uzbekistan have decided to develop an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era and advance the building of the China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future from a higher starting point," Xi said.
Mirziyoyev said his meeting with Xi will be an example of the growing friendship and partnership between the two countries.
"Distinguished President Xi Jinping, my dear elder brother, I'm so glad to visit the great country of China. At the beginning of the new year, we can work together to set plans for the next stage to further promote the development of relations between the two countries in all dimensions. Based on mutual learning, we hope to learn from and spread China's experience in development. The meeting today is of great historical significance and will serve as a vivid example of our continuously strengthened friendship and the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries," he said.
Mirziyoyev is in China for a state visit from January 23 to January 25 at the invitation of Xi.
In the first 6M 2023, China has reaffirmed its position as a leading investor in Uzbekistan’s economy, as per the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. The Asian giant’s investments in the country have reached a staggering UZS 139 trillion, equivalent to $2.2bn. This substantial investment accounts for approximately one-fifth of the total investments of $11.4bn that Uzbekistan attracted during the same period.
The economic relationship between China and Uzbekistan has been on an upward trajectory since the dawn of the 21st century, with a notable acceleration since 2015. During peak years, the annual growth rate of trade between the two nations has soared to an impressive 48%. Despite occasional competition from Russia, China has largely cemented its status as Uzbekistan’s primary trading partner.
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