Presidents of Uzbekistan and China discuss enhancing comprehensive cooperation

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek.

The President of Uzbekistan expressed gratitude to the Chinese leader for his warm congratulations on the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence and for his personal contribution to strengthening multifaceted relations between Uzbekistan and China.

Next year, the two countries will mark the 35th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations. It was proposed to prepare a program of events to celebrate this significant date widely.

In recent years, bilateral relations have significantly advanced. Contacts across all levels are steadily intensifying, with ongoing development in political dialogue, trade, economic, investment, and technological cooperation. Meanwhile, cultural and humanitarian exchanges continue to grow.

The sides supported maintaining the systematic Strategic Dialogue between foreign ministries and strengthening interparliamentary relations. Uzbekistan reaffirmed its firm support for the “One China” policy and its ongoing efforts to counter the “three forces of evil”.

Particular attention was paid to trade, economic, and investment cooperation. Last year, bilateral trade approached $18 billion. Confidence was expressed that this figure would continue to grow.

A new target of $30 billion was proposed for the coming years. Efforts will focus on boosting mutual supplies of industrial and agricultural products and encouraging Uzbek enterprises to participate actively in trade exhibitions in China.

The portfolio of ongoing joint investment projects totals approximately $60 billion, while more than 6,000 joint ventures operate in Uzbekistan.

Promising areas of industrial cooperation include energy, the chemical industry, metallurgy, the production of construction materials and food products, transportation and infrastructure, agriculture, and high technologies. New growth points will also be expanded in the digital economy, mining, and the development and processing of mineral resources.

The collaboration with BYD on electric vehicle manufacturing was recognized as a successful example of technological partnership. Support was given for plans to expand production capacity and enhance localization efforts.

Chinese companies were invited to participate more actively in establishing production facilities in joint industrial zones across Uzbekistan.

The focus was on developing cooperation with top Chinese financial institutions and strengthening their involvement in Uzbekistan.

Cooperation in the energy sector received high praise. Uzbekistan aims to expand its partnership in both traditional and alternative energy sources and seeks to involve Chinese companies in peaceful nuclear energy initiatives.

Interregional exchanges continue to grow rapidly, with all regions of Uzbekistan engaging actively with Chinese provinces and developing a significant number of joint projects. The Third Forum of Regions took place in Xi’an in May.

Significant focus was given to improving transport links. The building of the key China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway is advancing well. This route is expected to become a vital component of Eurasia’s transport network and boost connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The expansion of tourism and humanitarian exchanges also featured prominently on the talks’ agenda. A visa-free regime is in effect, and the sides discussed plans to expand air services and increase flight frequency between cities in both countries.

Consistent efforts are underway to establish Cultural Centers in Uzbekistan and China. Uzbek Culture Days in China are planned for the end of the year. It was proposed to adopt a Program of Cultural Events for 2027-2029.

Cooperation continues in science, education, and personnel training. The Luban Workshops and Confucius Institutes will continue their activities, along with the development of joint educational projects in the regions.

Interest was expressed in expanding Chinese language studies, interuniversity educational programs, and increasing quotas for Uzbek youth to study in China.

Space exploration was identified as a promising area for cooperation.

Particular attention was paid to deepening regional partnership within the China – Central Asia format and to preparations for its third summit, to be held in China next year.

The President of Uzbekistan invited the President of China to visit Uzbekistan. The meeting was held in a traditionally trusting, open, and friendly atmosphere.

UzA