One of the authoritative newspapers of the People’s Republic of China, a partner of Uzbekistan National News Agency “People’s Daily”, published an article by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Uzbekistan Yu Jun entitled “Friendship between China and Uzbekistan is deeply rooted in people’s hearts”.

According to the Chinese diplomat, 2023 has become a unique year in developing relations between the two countries.

“Under the strategic leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, building New Uzbekistan and deepening national reforms have achieved great success: the economy is prospering, society is developing, people’s lives are improving, and the country’s international influence is increasing every day”, the article notes.

During the year, the President of Uzbekistan visited China twice to attend the First China-Central Asia Summit and the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, during which he met with the President of China Xi Jinping, and exchanged views on the prospects for the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Uzbekistan in a new era.

The article also states that the trade turnover for 11 months of 2023 reached a new record and amounted to $12.2 billion, investment cooperation has noticeably strengthened, interregional exchanges are becoming closer, interest in humanitarian collaboration is increasing, the friendship between the two countries is deeply rooted in the hearts of people.

“In 2024, being more active, China is ready to comprehensively promote building a powerful country and national rejuvenation through modernization with Chinese characteristics. It will also continue to promote opening up to the outside world at a higher level, sharing development opportunities with other countries, and seeking mutual benefit. As a responsible power, it will actively participate in international and regional affairs, respond with other countries to global challenges, and contribute to building a community with a common destiny for humanity”, the Ambassador notes.

It is also emphasized that China is ready to make joint efforts with Uzbekistan to implement important agreements between the heads of the two states, link the joint building of the Belt and Road and New Uzbekistan, as well as promote the sustainable development of bilateral relations at a high level, work together to build a united community fate between China and Uzbekistan.

As previously reported, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at the invitation of the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, will pay a state visit to this country on January 23-25.

Bekhruz Khudoyberdiyev, UzA