Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — China supports the expansion of cooperation in the field of new energy sources, innovation, and interregional exchanges, and is interested in increasing the import of high-quality Uzbek goods. This was stated by the Chinese Ambassador to Uzbekistan Yu Jun.

The diplomat recalled that at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited China to participate in the third Forum of International Cooperation “One Belt, One Road” (BRI). The respected president has taken part in the Forum for the third time in a row and among state leaders he is one of the most senior guests of honor in terms of experience in participating in the forum, the ambassador noted.

President Mirziyoyev was present at the opening ceremony and was the first to speak at the highest-level forum on green development. Mr. President emphasized the seriousness of the problem of climate change in Central Asia, supported the Green Silk Road initiative and proposed expanding it within the framework of international cooperation and implementing a number of specific measures, the diplomat said.

“As you know, under the leadership of Mr. President, ecology and environmental protection issues occupy an important place on the agenda for the construction of a new Uzbekistan, much attention is paid to the active development of new energy and promoting the green transformation of economic development.

Mr. President’s speech reflects the pursuit of green development, as well as a sense of responsibility and mission for the benefit of all mankind, which the Chinese side highly appreciates. Mr. President’s speech largely coincides with the Beijing Initiative for Green Development of the Belt and Road Initiative, as the final document of this China supports the expansion of cooperation forum, this initiative received active support from Uzbekistan,” Yu Jun emphasized.

President Mirziyoyev also held his second meeting in a year with President Xi Jinping, new cooperation agreements were reached between the leaders, and new plans for the development of bilateral relations were developed.

President Xi Jinping noted that in the context of the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Chinese side is ready, in the spirit of mutual borrowing, mutual support and assistance, together with Uzbek partners, to create a community of common destiny for China and Uzbekistan.

Ambassador Yu Jun noted that it is necessary to fully implement the medium-term Program for the development of trade, economic and investment cooperation, promote cooperation in priority areas, and create conditions for the speedy launch of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project.

The Chinese side supports the expansion of cooperation in the field of new energy sources, innovation, interregional exchanges, and is interested in increasing the import of high-quality Uzbek goods, he said.

China is ready to accept more Uzbek students and increase scholarship quotas. Work should be accelerated to establish each other’s cultural centers and open the Luban workshop, and intensify exchanges and cooperation in the field of poverty reduction.

The diplomat added that China is ready, together with the Uzbek side, to carefully implement the results of the Xi’an summit.

“According to President Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan firmly supports and actively participates in it. Uzbekistan is interested in studying and implementing Chinese experience in the fight against poverty, and is ready, within the framework of the “One Belt and One Road” initiative, to deepen dialogue and cooperation in such areas as economics and trade, investment, transport and communications, new energy sources, agriculture and cultural and humanitarian exchanges, promote the construction of the Green Silk Road,” said the Chinese Ambassador.

“Uzbekistan has a consistent position in supporting the one China principle, as well as President Xi Jinping’s Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. Uzbekistan is ready with China to stimulate the formation and consolidation of the format “China-Central Asia,” he noted.