President of Uzbekistan takes part in the online summit “Central Asia – China”

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 25 January, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in a meeting of the heads of state of Central Asia and China in the format of a videoconference organized on the initiative of President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping in connection with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The event was also attended by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The leaders of the countries summed up the results of 30 years of cooperation between the states of Central Asia and China, exchanged views on topical issues and priority areas of multifaceted cooperation for the future.

At the beginning of his speech, the Uzbek President congratulated the participants on the anniversary date and noted that over the past time, comprehensive strategic relations between Uzbekistan and China have acquired a dynamic and sustainable character.

Voicing the priorities of cooperation, the leader of our country took the initiative to develop the Strategy of the New Economic Dialogue "China - Central Asia", designed to ensure unhindered trade and the formation of a common space for industrial cooperation and localization.

The President of Uzbekistan also stressed the importance of developing systemic solutions to ensure uninterrupted cargo flow and the development of trans-regional logistics networks along the China-Central Asia route. It was proposed to start the practical implementation of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway construction project this year.

The head of our state drew the attention of the summit participants to the need to combine efforts for the widespread introduction of digital technologies. It is proposed to create a joint platform of the "Intellectual Silk Road" on the basis of IT parks.

Interaction in the field of healthcare and combating infectious diseases was named an important area of cooperation. Readiness was expressed to continue partnership with China in the development, testing and production of vaccines. The Uzbek side also advocates the mutual recognition of vaccination passports, which will facilitate the movement of people and goods between our countries.

Separately, the head of state dwelled on the task of reducing poverty, calling its solution the most important condition for ensuring the well-being of the population.

In this regard, Uzbekistan is interested in further cooperation with China on the modernization of the agricultural sector, growing crops on saline and saline lands, and establishing production chains between the city and the countryside.

In addition, the President of Uzbekistan called for close cooperation and joint implementation of proactive measures to meet the rapidly growing food needs of the population during the pandemic. It was proposed to jointly initiate the adoption of a separate resolution of the UN General Assembly on ensuring food security in a pandemic.

Along with this, the need to jointly promote the climate agenda as part of the construction of the Green Silk Road was noted.

An initiative has been put forward to develop a Roadmap to ensure “environmentally friendly development”, aimed at intensifying investment and technological cooperation in the field of alternative energy.

Particular attention was paid to the issues of further rapprochement between the peoples of Central Asia and China, and the expansion of cultural and humanitarian exchange.

The leader of our country proposed declaring next year the "Year of Culture and Art of the Peoples of Central Asia and China" with an emphasis on academic and student programs, holding youth forums and sports competitions.

The President of Uzbekistan also touched upon in his speech the issues of continuing cooperation in the field of strengthening regional security. The importance of coordinating joint efforts in the Afghan direction in the interests of implementing the Safe Silk Road concept was noted.

At the end of his speech, the head of our state wished the Chinese people successful holding of the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing.

As a result of the summit, a Joint Statement was adopted, which reflected common approaches to key issues of further strengthening the multifaceted partnership between the states of Central Asia and China.