“2017 is of great importance in our bilateral relations. Both countries solemnly celebrate the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations and achieved fruitful results in all areas of interaction,” the ambassador said.

“At the beginning of the year, at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan adopted the Strategy of Action for five priority development directions in 2017-2021. The strategy is a very promising document for comprehensive development of Uzbekistan and opens wide opportunities for further deepening practical cooperation with China. The spirit and tasks of the Strategy largely coincide with the priorities of Xi Jinping’s report at the 19th Congress of the Communist Party of China,” the diplomat added.

“It is worthwhile to point out that at the Congress for the first time the initiative “One Belt and One Way” was included in the Charter of the Chinese Communist Party. China’s open doors will not be closed, they will expand wider. China will stimulate formation of a new architectonics of openness, focusing on the “One Belt and One Way” initiative, guided by the principle of joint consulting, joint construction and sharing, expand openness and cooperation with all partners,” Sun Lijie said.

He noted that Uzbekistan is one of China’s most important partners in development of the “One Belt and One Way”.

“China cherishes the time-honored friendship with Uzbekistan and is ready to further strengthen integration of development strategies of the two countries, expand friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation in all spheres, advance the relations of comprehensive strategic partnership for benefit of our peoples,” the ambassador said.