Wang Yi Meets with Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Umurzakov Sardor Uktamovich

On March 31, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Umurzakov Sardor Uktamovich, who came to China to attend the Third Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the Afghan Issue Among the Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan, in Tunxi, Anhui Province.

Wang Yi said that since China and Uzbekistan established diplomatic ties 30 years ago, the two countries have trusted and supported each other and deepened cooperation in various fields to an unprecedented level. The two heads of state have maintained close exchanges and established solid mutual trust, charting the course for the development of China-Uzbekistan relations. China will continue to support Uzbekistan in pursuing the development path that suits its national conditions and is ready to work with Uzbekistan to implement the important consensus between the two heads of state and push bilateral relations to a new level.

Wang Yi said that China is willing to further align the Belt and Road Initiative with the new Uzbekistan Development Strategy and make proper preparations for the China-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee. China stands ready to expand its economic, trade and investment cooperation with Uzbekistan, select and implement a number of key cooperation projects, and expand new energy cooperation to create a diversified and multifaceted cooperation pattern.

Umurzakov said that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev values his high-level mutual trust and deep friendship with President Xi Jinping. Uzbekistan firmly adheres to the one-China policy and is committed to deepening the friendship between the two countries. Uzbekistan admires China's development achievements, looks forward to learning from China's experience in governance, especially in poverty alleviation, and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields.

The two sides agreed to strengthen connectivity cooperation to add new impetus to the regional integration process. It was also agreed to tap the potential of agricultural cooperation, strengthen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation at the sub-national level, deepen anti-pandemic and medical and health cooperation, and build a China-Uzbekistan health community.

The two sides agreed to support Kazakhstan in hosting the third China + Central Asia (C+C5) foreign ministers' meeting to deepen solidarity and cooperation and jointly withstand risks and challenges.

The two sides also agreed to enhance communication and coordination within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Wang Yi said that China fully supports Uzbekistan in hosting the SCO Samarkand Summit, and stands ready to jointly oppose external interference, combat the "three forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism and build a solid regional security barrier. Umurzakov thanked China for its support, and hopes to work together to ensure the success of the Summit.

The two sides exchanged views on the Afghan issue. Umurzakov congratulated China on successfully holding a series of meetings on the Afghan issue and achieving important outcomes of these meetings. Wang Yi expressed his welcome and support for Uzbekistan's hosting of the Fourth Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the Afghan Issue Among the Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan. He also expressed his willingness to work with all parties to help Afghanistan attain peace, stability and development at an early date.