On the afternoon of 28 November local time, Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council met at the Uzbek presidential residence with President Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan.
Li Keqiang said that Uzbekistan is a reliable good friend and good partner of China in Central Asia. President Xi Jinping's state visit to your great country in September this year has yielded fruitful outcomes and has injected strong impetus into the development of bilateral relations. I paid the current visit to Uzbekistan for the 12th Prime Ministers' Meeting of the SCO Member States to be held here to jointly promote the implementation of the outcomes of the SCO Bishkek Summit with other parties so as to explore and enrich the contents of cooperation.
Li Keqiang pointed out that the sound development of China-Uzbekistan relations is based on the political mutual trust between the two countries. Our cooperation is equal, mutually beneficial and with no strings attached and it is aimed to achieve win-win benefits. The two countries have conducted sound cooperation in the energy sector. The two sides can absolutely complement each other with advantages and not only further deepen energy cooperation, but also promote all-dimensional development of cooperation in other fields. China is ready to unceasingly explore new areas of cooperation with Uzbekistan to push forward China-Uzbekistan strategic partnership to a higher level.
Li Keqiang expressed that the SCO has now become an effective mechanism and a reliable guarantee for safeguarding regional security and promoting common development. I look forward to working with other state leaders present at the Meeting to fully deepen practical cooperation in the fields of security, economy and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. China fully supports Uzbekistan for hosting the Meeting and is ready to strengthen cooperation with Uzbekistan under the framework of the SCO.
Li Keqiang expressed that the regional situation in Central Asia is now stable in general, but there still exist some complex factors. It concerns vital interests of Central Asian countries to safeguard regional peace and stability and to create sound environment for regional development. China is ready to maintain close communication and coordination with countries in the region to work together for building a Central Asia of lasting peace and common prosperity.
Karimov extended warm welcome to Li Keqiang attending the Prime Ministers' Meeting of the SCO Member States. It will as well greatly promote in-depth development of Uzbekistan-China relations. Uzbekistan-China strategic partnership enjoys a solid foundation and broad prospects for development. China has always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit and has won the hearts of the people in Uzbekistan and other Central Asian nations. Uzbekistan is ready to join hands with China further uplifting the level of bilateral cooperation so as to benefit both peoples.
Both sides also exchanged in-depth views on international and regional issues of mutual interest.