By Adnan Hameed
TWA
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Islamabad:In response to the invitation extended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan is set to embark on a significant state visit to China from January 23 to 25. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying confirmed this pivotal diplomatic development during a press briefing on Friday.
Over the 32 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Uzbekistan have fostered a relationship marked by respect, good neighborliness, and mutual benefit. The upcoming state visit is anticipated to propel the ongoing elevation of bilateral relations, further solidifying cooperation between China and the Central Asian region.
Mao Ning, another Foreign Ministry spokesperson, highlighted the substantial growth in bilateral relations and the fruitful outcomes of cooperation across various domains. These advancements not only contribute to the development and revitalization of both nations but also resonate positively for peace and stability in Central Asia and the wider global context.
President Mirziyoyev’s visit to China in early 2024 underscores the robustness of bilateral relations and the deep friendship between the two leaders. Mao emphasized that the visit will serve as an opportunity to enhance these relations and introduce new dimensions to the China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future.
The history of frequent interactions between the two countries over the past decade has been marked by notable visits, including President Mirziyoyev’s attendance at the Beijing Winter Olympics in February 2022 and President Xi’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Samarkand in September of the same year.
Experts view these regular exchanges as indicative of the sound development of bilateral relations and the untapped potential for further cooperation. Zhu Yongbiao, Executive Director of the Research Center for the Belt and Road at Lanzhou University, highlighted the high-level mutual trust shared between China and Uzbekistan on regional and international issues.
Notably, areas such as security collaboration on anti-terrorism, addressing the Afghanistan issue, and jointly tackling climate change are identified as potential avenues for expanded cooperation. Additionally, economic development opportunities, particularly in the construction of a China-Central Asia transportation corridor, align with the common goals of both nations.
The compatibility of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Uzbekistan’s development schemes is evident in joint projects, including the Angren-Pap railway line and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan transport corridor. Such initiatives exemplify the friendly cooperation between these neighboring nations.
Uzbekistan’s focus on arid agriculture, poverty reduction, green development, and the digital economy aligns with China’s expertise, setting the stage for valuable knowledge exchange. Furthermore, joint efforts in archaeology and culture, building on the historical Silk Road connection, strengthen the enduring bond between the two nations.
As part of President Mirziyoyev’s visit, both countries plan to engage in comprehensive cooperation across culture, education, and local initiatives. The series of supporting activities aim to deepen collaboration and benefit the peoples of China and Uzbekistan.
