Xi congratulates Uzbek president

President Xi Jinping extended on Monday a congratulatory message to Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his reelection as president of Uzbekistan, highlighting his readiness to work with the Uzbek leader to promote the sustained development of a bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi noted that ties between China and Uzbekistan have secured leapfrog development under the guidance of both leaders, with cooperation in various sectors being strengthened across the board.

He said that he highly values the fine working relationship and personal friendship with Mirziyoyev, saying that he is willing to make joint efforts with the Uzbek leader to further energize the building of a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future.

Mirziyoyev, 65, was reelected with 87.1 percent of the votes during a presidential election on Sunday.

The early presidential election came after a referendum was held in April on a new constitution that amended over half of the main law. After approving the referendum results, Mirziyoyev announced on May 8 that the country would hold a snap presidential election.

Mirziyoyev previously won presidential elections in 2016 and 2021.

Trade between China and Uzbekistan, the most populous country in Central Asia, grew by 21.8 percent year-on-year to $9.78 billion in 2022.

Xinhua contributed to this story.