While meeting Uzbek Deputy Defense Minister Rustam Niyazov, Liang said China-Uzbekistan ties have developed smoothly with fruitful cooperation in the fields of trade, energy, security and cultural exchange.

He added that China respects the Uzbek people choosing a path of development that suits their national conditions, Xinhua reported.

Niyazov said Uzbekistan values its cooperation with China in all sectors, especially within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Uzbekistan hopes to enhance its coordination with China on various regional and international issues and will continue to adhere to the one-China policy, he added.