China and Uzbekistan signed a treaty on friendly and cooperative
partnership on Wednesday at the start of Uzbekistani President
Islam Karimov's three-day state visit to China.
"The signing of the treaty demonstrates the two people's common
will and determination to maintain their friendship. It also lays
down a sound political and legal foundation for the long-term
development of ties," President Hu Jintao
told Karimov during their official meeting.
Hu said the government values its relations with Uzbekistan and
will follow the treaty to promote all-round cooperation to seek
common development.
He also expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan's adherence to the
one-China policy and its support of China's efforts for national
reunification.
"China respects the way the Uzbekistani people choose to develop
their country and their efforts in safeguarding national
independence, sovereignty and territory integrity," Hu said.
Karimov said the treaty indicates that the relationship between
Uzbekistan and China has entered a new stage.
"It lays down a solid foundation for the two countries to
develop a new strategic partnership," he said.
China and Uzbekistan also signed 13 documents on economic and
technological cooperation on the same day.
Hu said the two countries should try to promote cooperation in
the fields of oil, gas, mining, telecommunications, transportation
and infrastructure construction.
"China encourages and supports businesses from the two countries
in increasing exchange and cooperation in trade and investment," Hu
said.
Hu also gave his word that China will support Uzbekistan in
joining the WTO.
Karimov said Uzbekistan and China have witnessed rapid growth in
economic and trade cooperation over recent years and still enjoy
great potential for cooperation.
They are both members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
(SCO), a regional organization founded in 2001. In 2004, SCO
launched a regional anti-terror agency in Uzbekistan's capital
Tashkent.
Hu said China and Central Asian countries enjoy common interests
in safeguarding regional peace, stability and security and in
seeking common development and prosperity.
Karimov said Uzbekistan and China share consistent stances
concerning safeguarding regional peace and security.
He arrived in Beijing on Wednesday afternoon. This is his fourth
visit since assuming the presidency.
(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2005)