Wang Yi: Head-of-state diplomacy is driving force for China-Uzbekistan ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that strategic guidance under head-of-state diplomacy is the most important driving force for China-Uzbekistan ties, and the profound friendship between the two heads of state is the prominent feature of their relations.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks as he met Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov on the sidelines of a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan.

China will, as always, support Uzbekistan in safeguarding its national interests, advancing its national development strategy and playing a bigger role in international affairs, Wang said.

Appreciating Uzbekistan's adherence to the one-China principle, Wang said he believes that the Uzbek side will continue supporting China unequivocally on issues concerning China's core interests.

The Chinese foreign minister urged both sides to study and introduce more trade-facilitated measures, strengthen connectivity and enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, drug control and combating transnational crimes.

Wang also called for advancing a comprehensive and multi-dimensional network with intergovernmental, subnational and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Saidov said that Uzbekistan is willing to work with China to formulate cooperation plans and expand collaborating fields.

Noting the Uzbek side unswervingly abides by the one-China principle, Saidov said it will support all China's efforts to achieve national reunification, adding that Uzbekistan will always stand with China on all major issues and will intensify coordination to safeguard regional peace and stability.