President Mirziyoyev invites China’s premier to Uzbekistan

The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, met with Premier of the State Council of China Li Qiang today, September 2, within the framework of his official visit to Beijing, the presidential press service reported.

It was stated that the discussions focused on expanding multifaceted practical cooperation, primarily in the fields of trade, economy, finance, investment, and humanitarian affairs. At the beginning of the meeting, the Uzbek leader warmly congratulated the Premier of the State Council and the people of China on the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, as well as on the successful holding of the SCO summit in Tianjin. The parties emphasized that, thanks to the political will of the leaders of both countries and their joint efforts, Uzbekistan–China relations in the new era have reached the level of strategic partnership and comprehensive “mature” cooperation under all circumstances.

It was also mentioned that last year the trade turnover between the two countries reached $14 billion and continues to grow steadily. There is potential to increase this figure to $20 billion by expanding supplies, ensuring a balance between exports and imports. For this purpose, it was proposed to establish a joint Quantum metrology center and a regional industrial standardization center in Uzbekistan to harmonize standards and certify products in line with Chinese requirements. The portfolio of joint projects exceeds $60 billion.

“In preparation for this visit, new project proposals have been developed in the fields of green energy, geology, chemistry, deep processing of rare metals, coal chemistry, modernization and digitalization of transport infrastructure, agriculture and water management, seed production, and agrivoltaics”, the report stated.

A proposal was made to establish the Uzbekistan–China center for Artificial Intelligence development to promote scientific research and prospective startups. The parties also discussed expanding practical cooperation with China’s leading banking and financial institutions. The special subcommittee meeting on poverty reduction and the outcomes of the second regional forum held in Uzbekistan this year were highly evaluated. Practical work is being carried out on the construction project of the “China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan” strategic railway, with the involvement of Uzbek contracting organizations.

Within the framework of this visit, it was noted with satisfaction that an agreement was signed on the reciprocal opening of cultural centers. It was also announced that the second Education Forum will be held in Uzbekistan this year. For the first time, a “Vocational education” forum was organized in Chongqing, and an “Uzbekistan–China alliance” was established in this field. “Lu Ban Workshops” will be opened across the regions of Uzbekistan. The effective activities of the Confucius Institutes in Tashkent and Samarkand were emphasized. The sides underlined the importance of increasing the number of air flights and intensifying tourist exchanges.

At the conclusion, the President invited the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan.

It is worth noting that the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, held talks in Beijing with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping on September 2, within the framework of his state visit to China. During the meeting, Mirziyoyev extended an invitation to Xi Jinping to pay a visit to Uzbekistan.