President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov arrived on a state visit to Beijing on 19 April on the invitation of the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Hu Jintao.

After the official welcoming ceremony of the President of Uzbekistan at the People’s Representatives Meeting House in the center of Beijing, Islam Karimov and Hu Jintao held negotiations.

During the talk, a detailed exchange of opinions on the current state and perspectives of the Uzbek-Chinese relations and other issues of regional and international character, which are of mutual interest, took place.

It was underlined that Uzbekistan considered China as a state with rich history and culture, and a huge potential, as well as a reliable partner and neighbor. The belief was expressed that the present talks had a great importance for raising the bilateral relations to a higher level.

It was especially emphasized that the head of Uzbekistan was a close friend of China, having made a huge contribution to the development of bilateral cooperation, which is highly valued. The meeting was a good opportunity to exchange views on the important topics of mutual interest.

The leaders of Uzbekistan and China discussed issues of political, trade, economic, investment, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well we regional security and stability, UzA informs.

After the talks, Islam Karimov and Hu Jintao signed a Joint Declaration between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the People’s Republic of China.

The two states also signed documents on mutual stimulation and protection of investments, on technical and economic cooperation, on developing deposits and others.

The state visit of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to China is continuing.