Tashmatov was leading a delegation in Beijing to attend the seventh session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) security council secretaries.

Meng said it is of great significance for China and Uzbekistan to strengthen law enforcement and security cooperation at the national level and under the framework of the SCO.

He pointed out that China and Uzbekistan have strengthened cooperation in recent years in fighting the "three evil forces" of separatism, extremism and terrorism, safeguarded the security of the two countries and promoted peace and stability in central Asia.

"The two sides need to enhance security efforts on major cooperative projects to ensure the safe and stable progress of China-Uzbekistan natural gas pipeline projects," he said. "We also need to strengthen cooperation on problems with Afghanistan and work together to promote Afghanistan's peaceful reconstruction."

Tashmatov said that emphasizing law enforcement and security cooperation is in the common interests of Uzbekistan and China, Xinhua reported.

"Uzbekistan is willing to enhance communication and cooperation with China's public security departments so as to safeguard security and stability in central Asia," he said.