BAKU, Azerbaijan, Oct. 31
By Fakhri Vakilov-Trend:
China welcomes the increase in the supply of agricultural products from Uzbekistan to the Chinese market, stated by Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang on the eve of his first official visit to Uzbekistan, Trend reports citing Uzbek media.
“In the heart of the Chinese people, Uzbekistan is always perceived as a good neighbor and trusting partner. Such sympathy has deep historical roots laying in centuries-old contacts of the peoples of the two countries,” the Chinese prime minister said.
In his opinion, ever-growing Sino-Uzbek relations are continuously advancing with the advent of a new era. In 2016, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Uzbekistan was a complete success, and bilateral relations rose to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
“This year, Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and I carried out the first ever exchange of visits between heads of government in the history of bilateral relations,” said Li Keqiang.
"China is ready to be Uzbekistan’s cooperation partner. It is important in the spirit of openness to provide support and assistance to each other, on the basis of mutual complementation to deepen cooperation in the interests of win-win, share development opportunities together. China is committed to stimulating the conjunction of the One Belt, One Road initiative with the national development strategy of Uzbekistan, the formation of a new scheme of practical cooperation by enriching its content and improving the structure," he said.
In his opinion, today it is necessary to look for new forms of industrial cooperation, practical steps to promote joint projects in order to translate the economic complementarity of the two countries into real tangible results of cooperation.
"We encourage the expansion of investment cooperation between competitive and reliable Chinese companies with Uzbek partners on market and commercial rules and welcome the increase in the supply of high-quality agricultural products from Uzbekistan to the Chinese market. The introduction of a seven-day visa-free regime for Chinese citizens, in my opinion, will contribute to even greater growth the number of our compatriots staying in Uzbekistan to get acquainted with the brilliant Uzbek history and culture, wonderful nature and unique national flavor," said Li Keqiang.
He added that opening of additional direct flights between the two countries would also create more favorable conditions for mutual trips of citizens.
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