Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On the eve of the state visit of President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping to Uzbekistan to participate in the Samarkand SCO summit, his signed article on Uzbek-Chinese relations 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 Uzbek-Chinese cooperation, 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 the construction of 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, "Uzbekistan has acquired a completely new look, decent living conditions have been created, and its position in the international arena has significantly strengthened."

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 contacts 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 summit to summit.

Speaking about the importance that the Chinese leader attaches to building relations with Uzbekistan, it was noted that “the two countries always help each other like brothers. China and Uzbekistan are united by vital interests and a common future, closely interacting both on a bilateral basis and within the framework of the SCO and other multilateral platforms.”

Highly appreciating the chairmanship of Uzbekistan in the SCO, Xi Jinping stressed that "the Uzbek side has fulfilled all the tasks assigned to it and contributed to maintaining the dynamics of the healthy and sustainable development of the Organization", expressing confidence in holding the upcoming Samarkand summit at the highest level.

In addition, the article emphasizes that the strengthening of all-round cooperation meets the spirit of the times and the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples. In this regard, as Xi Jinping noted, "standing at the crossroads of the past and the future, we are full of expectations and confidence in the future of Chinese-Uzbek relations."

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

First, the article points out the need to intensify contacts at the highest and high levels, strengthen political mutual trust and resolutely support each other on issues that affect key interests.

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

Thirdly, the importance of further strengthening cooperation in the field of 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 expanding cooperation in the fields of 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 "the path to the goal will not be far, there would be aspiration in the heart," thereby expressing his readiness to continue the good tradition that has developed since the establishment of diplomatic relations and, in a new historical context, move forward together on a broad path of national development.

Thus, the author’s article by Chinese 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 cooperation.

While the forthcoming 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 ISMI under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan