Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 27 April 2023, the Fourth Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Central Asia – China was held in Xi'an (PRC). 

The event was attended by the heads of the foreign ministries of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, China, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan. Turkmenistan was represented at the level of Deputy Minister.

The parties discussed topical issues of interaction between the countries of Central Asia and China. They reached an agreement on organizing the first Central Asia + China summit in May 2023 in Xi'an.

Following the event, a separate press briefing was held by the heads of delegations for media representatives.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov noted that this format is a important platform for strengthening regional interconnectivity and deepening multifaceted cooperation. Cooperation in trade, economic, transport and communication, scientific, technical, cultural and humanitarian areas are among the top priorities of this dialogue format. Confidence was expressed that further promotion of cooperation between the states of Central Asia and the PRC with the active participation of representatives of the business community will make it possible to effectively use the existing potential.

Heads of delegations participating in the format also voiced their statements on the outcomes of the ministerial meeting, as well as positions on topical issues of the regional and international agenda.

In particular, during his speech, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PRC Qin Gang underscored that China fully supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of the Central Asian states. He also stated that the parties respect each other's national interests and will not allow external forces to interfere into their internal affairs.