Leaders of Uzbekistan and China discuss further strengthening comprehensive cooperation

On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.

At the beginning of the meeting, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev thanked the Chinese leader for his warm congratulations on the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence and for his personal contribution to strengthening multifaceted Uzbekistan–China relations.

Next year, the two countries will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. It was proposed to prepare a program of events to celebrate this significant anniversary.

In recent years, bilateral relations have reached a qualitatively new level. Contacts at all levels continue to expand, political dialogue and trade, economic, investment, and technological cooperation are developing steadily, while cultural and humanitarian exchanges are growing.

The leaders supported the continuation of the systematic Strategic Dialogue between the two countries’ foreign ministries and the further deepening of inter-parliamentary ties. Uzbekistan reaffirmed its unwavering support for the “One China” policy and its commitment to consistently combating the “three forces of evil.”

They paid particular attention to trade, economic, and investment cooperation. Last year, bilateral trade approached $18 billion, and expressed confidence that it will continue to grow.

The two sides proposed setting a new target of $30 billion in bilateral trade in the coming years. To this end, they agreed to continue efforts to increase mutual supplies of industrial and agricultural products and promote the active participation of Uzbek enterprises in trade exhibitions in China.

The portfolio of ongoing joint investment projects has reached around $60 billion, while more than 6,000 joint ventures operate in Uzbekistan.

The leaders identified promising areas for industrial cooperation, including energy, the chemical industry, metallurgy, construction materials and food production, transport and infrastructure, agriculture, and high technology. They also agreed to develop new growth points in the digital economy, mining, and the development and processing of mineral resources.

Cooperation with BYD in electric vehicle production was highlighted as a successful example of technological partnership. The sides supported plans to expand production capacity and increase the level of localization.

Chinese companies were invited to participate more actively in establishing production facilities in joint industrial zones across Uzbekistan.

The Uzbek side expressed interest in further expanding cooperation with China’s leading financial institutions and strengthening their presence in Uzbekistan.

The leaders highly praised cooperation in the energy sector. Uzbekistan expressed interest in expanding partnerships in conventional and alternative energy, as well as attracting Chinese companies to projects involving the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Interregional exchanges are expanding steadily. All regions of Uzbekistan maintain active ties with Chinese provinces and are implementing a substantial portfolio of joint projects. In May, the third Forum of Regions was held in Xi’an.

The sides paid particular attention to strengthening transport connectivity. Construction of the strategic China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is progressing steadily. They expressed confidence that the route will become an important link in Eurasia’s transport architecture and enhance connectivity within the Belt and Road Initiative.

The expansion of tourism and humanitarian exchanges featured prominently on the agenda of the talks. A visa-free regime is in place, and the leaders discussed plans to expand the network of air routes and increase the frequency of flights between cities in the two countries.

Consistent efforts are underway to open Cultural Centers of Uzbekistan and China. The Days of Uzbek Culture in China are scheduled to be held by the end of this year. The leaders also proposed adopting a Program of Cultural Events for 2027–2029.

Cooperation continues to expand in science, education, and professional training. The two sides agreed to continue supporting the activities of the Luban Workshops and Confucius Institutes and to further develop joint educational projects in the regions.

Interest was expressed in further expanding Chinese-language studies and inter-university educational programs, as well as increasing quotas for Uzbek students to study in China.

Space exploration was identified as a promising area of cooperation.

The leaders paid particular attention to further deepening regional cooperation within the China-Central Asia format and preparations for its third summit, to be held in China next year.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev invited President Xi Jinping to visit Uzbekistan. The meeting took place in a traditionally open, friendly, and trusting atmosphere.