Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  Diplomats from Uzbekistan held talks with representatives from the government office of the Special Administrative Region of Macau, People’s Republic of China, in Beijing, Dunyo news agency reported.

During the meeting with the head of the Immigration Department, Shu Wengan, the parties discussed bilateral cooperation in the consular and legal sphere, migration regulations in Macau, and the prospects for developing bilateral tourism exchanges within the framework of the "Year of Tourism of Uzbekistan in China," which officially began on 3 December 2024.

Additionally, the negotiations addressed issues related to Macau’s visa policy, the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of citizens of both sides, and the expansion of the legal framework between Uzbekistan and Macau in this area.

The Uzbek side provided detailed information about the positive results Uzbekistan has achieved in liberalizing its visa regime with other countries in recent years. In particular, it was emphasized that since 1 March 2021, Uzbekistan has implemented a visa-free regime for up to 10 days for Chinese citizens, including those from the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau.

It was also reported that on 1 December 2024, a "Treaty between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Mutual Abolition of Visas" was signed in Chengdu. The treaty is currently undergoing the necessary domestic procedures to come into force.

During the meeting, the Uzbek side expressed its desire to reach an agreement on the mutual abolition of visas for citizens of Uzbekistan and Macau and exchanged views on the prospects of introducing a visa-free regime.

Shu Wengan highly praised the positive changes taking place in New Uzbekistan due to the government’s policies and reforms. He noted that the country is becoming more open to the world, strengthening ties with various nations, and demonstrating effective cooperation.

Macau also expressed interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation with Uzbekistan in all areas, improving its practical effectiveness, expanding exchanges between citizens, and steadily developing tourism.

The sides agreed to work together to address upcoming tasks in this area.