China, Uzbekistan agree to advance ties

SOCHI, Russia, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov on bilateral ties in the Russian city of Sochi on Thursday.

Li said China and Uzbekistan are close and friendly neighbors. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In May this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Both sides decided to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

China-Uzbekistan cooperation is mutually complementary and both sides need to further align each other's development strategies, Li said.

Li called on both countries to carry out projects on inter-connectivity and production capacity and to create favorable conditions for cooperation between the two countries' companies.

Regarding China as an important partner for Uzbekistan, Aripov said his country is ready to work with China to cooperate in various fields such as transport infrastructure and hydropower, and to push forward all-round development of bilateral ties and cooperation.

Uzbekistan highly appreciates the positive role China has played in the development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and will enhance collaboration with China within the framework of the SCO, said Aripov. Enditem