Uzbekistan, China Discuss Railway Project, AI, Energy, and Infrastructure Cooperation

On 21 November, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a Chinese delegation led by Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Wang Yi arrived in Uzbekistan to participate in the next session of the strategic dialogue between the foreign ministers of the two countries, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

During the meeting, the leaders discussed practical measures to deepen bilateral relations within the framework of the all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership and expand multifaceted cooperation under existing high-level agreements.

The minister conveyed the sincere greetings and best wishes of President Xi Jinping to the Uzbek leader.

It was noted with particular satisfaction that, thanks to the political will and joint efforts of the heads of state, bilateral relations have reached an unprecedentedly high level.

Last year, trade turnover reached $14 billion, the number of joint ventures amounted to about 5,000, and since the beginning of this year, nearly $15 billion in Chinese investments has been utilized. The portfolio of technological partnership projects has approached $90 billion.

Attention was drawn to advancing cooperation in high technologies, green and nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, transport, infrastructure, agriculture, geology, chemistry, and other areas.

Contacts at all levels have intensified, regional cooperation between the two countries is developing effectively, and meaningful educational, cultural, and humanitarian exchanges continue.

The Uzbek leader emphasized the need for thorough preparation for upcoming high-level events and for enriching bilateral cooperation with new practical content.

The importance of actively implementing the Uzbekistan - Kyrgyzstan - China railway construction project and linking it to other transport routes was underscored.

Particular attention was given to coordination on issues related to Afghanistan’s socio-economic recovery and security. The need to continue close political dialogue and interaction in multilateral formats, as well as to support inter-university cooperation and projects in poverty reduction, tourism development, and other areas, was emphasized.

Confidence was expressed in the successful organization of the Days of Chinese Culture in Uzbekistan at the end of November this year.

Views were also exchanged on international and regional issues.