On the eve of the state visit of the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping to Uzbekistan to participate in the SCO Samarkand Summit, his article on relations between Uzbekistan and China was published.

The article is of great interest, since it is evidence of a special level of trusting relations that have developed between the leaders of Uzbekistan and China over the past 6 years.

It covers in detail the multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and China, the history of which goes back more than 2000 years. During this period, friendly contacts between the peoples of the two countries have consistently developed and expanded.

Particular emphasis in the article is placed on the significant results achieved under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in building New Uzbekistan, thanks to which it was possible to bring the development of many industries to a high-speed trajectory.

Thus, according to Xi Jinping, “The country has taken on a new look, its people enjoy a better life, and its international standing has risen significantly”.

It is also important that this year the two countries are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Despite the pandemic, the heads of Uzbekistan and China continued to maintain contact through telephone conversations and participation in joint events. This year alone, the leaders of the two countries have met three times. This demonstrates the growing mutual understanding between the parties on strategic issues from the summit to summit.

Speaking about the importance that the Chinese Leader attaches to building relations with Uzbekistan, China’s President notes “We are good brothers supporting each other in times of need. China and Uzbekistan, with their interests closely entwined, have stood together through thick and thin. We have maintained close coordination both bilaterally and in such regional and multilateral frameworks as the SCO”.

Highly appreciating the chairmanship of Uzbekistan in the SCO, Xi Jinping emphasized that “Since assuming the SCO presidency, despite the impacts of COVID-19, Uzbekistan has strengthened communication and coordination with other member states, made solid efforts on various fronts, and preserved the SCO’s momentum of sound and steady development”, expressing confidence in holding the upcoming Samarkand Summit at the highest level.

In addition, it is emphasized that the two countries have respected each other, fostered good-neighborliness, strengthened solidarity and pursued mutual benefit. In this regard, as Xi Jinping noted, “standing at the intersection of past and future, we are full of confidence and expectation for a more promising prospect of China – Uzbekistan relations”.

In this context, the President of the People’s Republic of China shared his vision of further development of multifaceted cooperation with the Uzbek side.

First, the article notes the need for intensifying contacts at various levels, strengthening political mutual trust and resolutely supporting each other on issues that affect key interests.

Second, the importance of accelerating work on linking the national development strategies of the two countries, jointly developing new areas of cooperation in trade, economy, investment and large projects is emphasized.

Third, the importance of further strengthening cooperation in security, preventing attempts by external forces to undermine the stability of the region, and creating favorable external conditions for development is noted.

Fourth, emphasis is given to enhancing cooperation in media, education, health, culture, tourism, archeology and at the regional level, as well as accelerating the mutual establishment of cultural centers.

In conclusion, the Chinese leader noted that “when your heart knows its direction, the distance to the destination will never be long”, thereby expressing his readiness to continue the good tradition that has developed since the establishment of diplomatic relations and, in a new historical context, forge ahead side by side on the path of national development.

Thus, the article by President Xi Jinping is another confirmation that in the current difficult conditions, China intends to further strengthen and develop a comprehensive partnership with Uzbekistan, opening up new horizons for practical interaction.

The visit of the Chinese Leader to Samarkand will be of particular importance for further deepening the strategic dialogue between our countries and will be a logical continuation of regular high-level talks.

Bobur Usmanov,

Deputy Director of ISRS under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan