Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Relations between Central Asia and China go back several thousand years. In particular, today relations between Uzbekistan and China are entering a new era, a qualitatively new stage. Trade, economic, investment, educational, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries, as well as relations in the field of security, high technology and healthcare have been raised to the level of strategic partnership.

The delegation currently in our country is headed by the Vice-Chairman of the Chinese Public Diplomacy Association (former Chinese Ambassador to Denmark) Liu Biwei holds meetings in various ministries, departments and higher educational institutions of our country. One of these meetings with representatives of the Uzbek media was held in the trade and economic department of the Chinese Embassy in our country.

The round table was also attended by Jin Cangzhong, Professor, Director of the Chinese Center for Foreign Strategic Studies of the People’s University of China, Wang Yiwei, Professor of the People’s University of China, An Ning, First Secretary of the Information and Press Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and representatives of leading publications of our country.

It was noted at the event that in recent years the comprehensive strategic relations between Uzbekistan and China have gained momentum and stability. Mutual visits and meetings of the leaders of the two countries further strengthen the relations of cooperation at all levels and open up new horizons.

- Despite the fact that this is my second visit to Uzbekistan, I have a feeling that I have come for the first time, - says Mr. Liu Biwei. - I saw that Uzbekistan had completely changed twenty years ago. In addition, there is a great interest in Chinese culture, language, economy and history in Uzbekistan. Yesterday, with members of our delegation, we got acquainted with the activities of the University of Oriental Studies in Tashkent, and also visited the State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan and examined exhibits testifying to the past and present of our relations. We know that the relations between our countries go back to the distant past. I can say that our current relations are developing even more within the framework of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.

It should be emphasized that Uzbekistan and China are equal partners who share common interests and destinies, share joys and worries together. Both countries have an ancient history, which is united and brought together by the commonality of cultures.

During the meeting, held in a warm atmosphere, the importance of further development of cooperation in the field of education, in particular, the creation of a joint higher education institution in Uzbekistan, was noted and plans for the future were discussed.

Representatives of the Chinese side answered questions from the media in detail.