Xi Jinping congratulates Mirziyoyev, highlights importance of China–Uzbekistan ties

On July 24, Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his congratulations to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his birthday. This was reported by Presidential Spokesperson Sherzod Asadov.

In his congratulatory message, Xi Jinping emphasized that he pays special attention to the development of China–Uzbekistan relations and highly values the practical cooperation and friendship established between the two countries.

“Dear Mr. President! I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to you on your birthday! I wish you good health and prosperity!” the Chinese leader said.

Xi Jinping also recalled the second Central Asia–China Summit held at the Palace of Independence in Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 17 this year, noting that the strategic directions for developing the China–Uzbekistan partnership in a new era have been clearly defined.

“I look forward to welcoming you to China during the Tianjin Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and at the solemn events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people in the war against Japanese aggression and the victory in the global fight against fascism,” he added.

For reference, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev turned 68 on July 24. He was born on July 24, 1957, in the Zamin district of the Jizzakh region into a family of doctors. An ethnic Uzbek, he graduated from the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers in 1981 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He holds the title of Candidate of Technical Sciences and is an Associate Professor.

Mirziyoyev began his career in 1981 at the same institute, working as a junior research fellow, senior lecturer, associate professor, and vice-rector for academic affairs.

In 1990, he was elected a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the Republic and simultaneously served as chairman of the Mandate Commission. In 1992, he was appointed khokim of the Mirzo Ulugbek district of Tashkent. From 1996 to 2001, he served as khokim of the Jizzakh region, and from 2001 to 2003, he was khokim of the Samarkand region, contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of these territories.

Between 1995 and 2003, he also served as a deputy of the Oliy Majlis, actively participating in the development and adoption of key legislative acts on the country’s political and socio-economic development and democratic reforms.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev was appointed Prime Minister of Uzbekistan in 2003 and was reappointed for this position three more times—in 2005, 2010, and 2015.

He later won the presidential elections in 2016, 2021, and 2023, becoming the President of Uzbekistan.

It should be recalled that earlier, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and his father, the national leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin, also sent birthday congratulations to the head of Uzbekistan.