Chinese, Uzbek FMs hold second strategic dialogue

Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on China and Uzbekistan to steer the direction of the development of bilateral relations, coordinate cooperation across various fields, and build China-Uzbekistan ties into a new benchmark for good neighborliness, solidarity, and mutual trust between countries.

Wang made the remarks on Friday when hosting the second strategic dialogue with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov in Tashkent.

He called on the two countries to make full use of the strategic dialogue platform to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state.

China always views Uzbekistan as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and an important partner in its global diplomatic agenda, Wang said, adding that China supports the Central Asian country in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and wishes success for the development strategy for a new Uzbekistan.

China has become Uzbekistan's largest trading partner and a major source of investment, according to Wang.

Wang expressed China's readiness to work with Uzbekistan to build the landmark China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, build a diversified connectivity network, and advance cooperation in areas such as green minerals, new energy, and high technology.

He also called on the two sides to strengthen exchanges in education, culture, and tourism.

While highly commending Uzbekistan's achievements in poverty reduction, Wang said China is willing to continue sharing China's experience in poverty alleviation and rural revitalization with the country.

Saidov expressed gratitude to China for its support in improving livelihoods and reducing poverty in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan would like to learn from China's successful governance experience, strengthen high-level exchanges, expand bilateral trade, deepen Belt and Road cooperation, while jointly combating the three forces of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, he said.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also met with Wang on Friday.