(BRF) 1st LD-Writethru: Xi urges broader cooperation with Uzbekistan in building Belt and Road

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called for expanding cooperation with Uzbekistan to achieve new progress in carrying out the Belt and Road Initiative.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who is in Beijing to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

Xi said that over the 25 years since the two countries established diplomatic relations, bilateral ties have achieved "leapfrog development" and the two countries have forged a comprehensive strategic partnership with sincerity, mutual trust, mutual benefits and win-win cooperation.

The two countries have cooperated closely under the Belt and Road framework and implemented a series of major projects, delivering tangible benefits to the people of both countries, Xi said.

He called for continued mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, consolidating and deepening political and strategic mutual trust for common development and prosperity.

Xi said China is willing to maintain close communication and coordination with Uzbekistan on issues including international affairs, situation in Central Asia and development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

He urged the two countries to dovetail their development strategies, outline priorities for cooperation, explore potential to enhance economic and trade cooperation, boost bilateral trade, optimize trade structure, and ensure the long-term and stable growth of bilateral trade.

China would also like to expand cooperation with Uzbekistan on industrial capacity, investment as well as the building of industrial zones and infrastructure based on equality, voluntariness, mutual benefits and win-win cooperation, he said.

Calling China a great neighbor of Uzbekistan, Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan appreciates China's support for the country in taking a development path in line with its national conditions.

He said China's role in promoting world peace, stability and development is crucial.

He noted Uzbekistan will continue adhering to the one-China policy and support China's efforts in combating the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism.

Mirziyoyev also called for deepening cooperation with China in areas including economy and trade, investment, industrial capacity,infrastructure and water conservation.

After the meeting, the two leaders signed a joint declaration to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two countries will continue to support each other on issues of core interests including national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, according to the declaration.

Neither side will allow a third country, any organization or group to commit activities on its soil that will damage the other side's national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

In the joint declaration, the two sides agreed on the necessity of constructing an efficient and convenient railway passage between China and Uzbekistan, and they will step up coordination on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project. Endi