ASTANA, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi proposed Friday that China and Uzbekistan step up cooperation by focusing on the Belt and Road Initiative and deepen communication and coordination within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) so as to open up a new chapter for their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Wang made the remarks while meeting his Uzbek counterpart, Abdulaziz Kamilov, on the sidelines of an SCO foreign ministers meeting.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-Uzbekistan diplomatic relations, said Wang, adding that China welcomes Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Beijing for the upcoming Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation next month, and for a state visit to China.
He said that President Mirziyoyev has actively pushed for domestic reforms, achieved steady economic progress, and consolidated the comprehensive strategic partnership with China.
For his part, Kamilov said Mirziyoyev's attendance at the Belt and Road forum and his China visit are of historic significance for bilateral ties.
He said Uzbekistan is ready to work with China to align their strategies and to expand cooperation in areas like trade, finance, investment, technology, and water conservancy to as to enrich their comprehensive strategic partnership.