Mirziyoyev and Li Qiang discuss expanding Uzbekistan-China cooperation

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks on 17 October with a Chinese delegation led by Premier Li Qiang of the State Council. The sides discussed strengthening their strategic partnership, joint investment projects and cooperation in key economic sectors. Li Qiang conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The talks focused on implementing agreements reached by the two countries' leaders in Bishkek in August. Trade is growing steadily, the portfolio of agreed projects has reached about $60 billion, and more than 6,000 joint enterprises have been created. Priority areas include green energy, chemicals, geology, automotive, metallurgy, agriculture and infrastructure modernisation.

Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support for the 'One China' policy and the fight against the 'three evils'. The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is under construction at an accelerated pace. The sides also discussed more flights and the upcoming Days of Uzbek Culture in China, as well as the mutual opening of cultural centres.