Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 17 June, as part of his visit to Astana, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping.

The leaders exchanged views on a wide range of current bilateral cooperation issues and regional matters.

It was noted with satisfaction that Uzbekistan–China relations of friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership — based on trust and mutual support — have reached an unprecedented level of depth and momentum in recent years.

Agreements reached during President Mirziyoyev’s state visit to China in January 2024 are being actively implemented. There has been a significant intensification of intergovernmental exchanges and cooperation at all levels.

A Strategic Dialogue mechanism between the foreign ministries of the two countries has been launched. In June, the second Uzbekistan–China Regional Forum was successfully held in Samarkand, serving as a key platform for strengthening interregional partnerships.

Trade, economic, and investment cooperation is steadily growing. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $14 billion, while the total portfolio of joint investment projects exceeded $60 billion.

Joint technoparks and special economic zones are operating in various regions of Uzbekistan. Production of BYD electric vehicles is ramping up.

New projects are being developed in critical sectors such as green energy, oil and gas, chemical industries, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, mining, textiles, food and construction industries, logistics, smart agriculture, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence.

Cooperation with China’s leading financial institutions is also expanding. Mechanisms to scale up the Silk Road Fund investment platform are being explored. With the involvement of the China Eximbank, construction of the Olympic Village in Tashkent is nearing completion. The Eximbank’s regional office has opened in the capital.

Special attention was given to enhancing cooperation aimed at poverty reduction and improving the population’s quality of life.

The two leaders reaffirmed the strategic importance of accelerating the construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway as a key element of a new Eurasian transport corridor.

They also expressed readiness to deepen humanitarian ties in education, science, culture, tourism, personnel training, and promotion of the Chinese language.

A branch of China’s Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University is successfully operating in Uzbekistan. A joint International Mathematics Center has been established with Peking University at Urgench State University.

In 2023, Uzbekistan celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Confucius Institute. The Chinese “Luban Workshop” vocational education model is being introduced in the country.

In 2026, the two countries will hold reciprocal Weeks of Culture and Art in Uzbekistan and China.

During the talks, the leaders also exchanged views on major international issues, emphasizing the importance of continued coordination and mutual support within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Central Asia–China format, and other multilateral structures.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides officially announced the signing of a Protocol on the conclusion of bilateral negotiations regarding Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).