In the message, Hu said China and Uzbekistan are friendly neighboring countries and the two peoples have traditionally enjoyed friendship.

Hu said since the two nations forged diplomatic relations 15 years ago, with common efforts the two countries have established a friendly partnership on the basis of mutual respect, mutual trust, equality and mutual benefit.

Hu said, "We are pleased to see that in recent years, Uzbekistan has enjoyed a stable political situation, constant economic development and the living standards of the people have obviously been improved and its international influence has continuously expanded."

"I believe that under your leadership, Uzbekistan’s people will reach greater achievement in the cause of constructing their own country."

Hu added that China has always respected Uzbek’s own choice of its development path and supports Uzbekistan’s efforts to safeguard national independence, sovereignty and security and to promote economic development.

"I am willing to work together with you to strengthen bilateral friendship and mutual trust and to deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields to promote the friendly China-Uzbekistan partnership to a higher level," Hu said.