Tashkent, 29 July 2022 (TDI): The acting Foreign Ministers of Uzbekistan, Vladimir Norov, and People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi, met on Thursday.
Wang Yi arrived in Uzbekistan to participate in the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
Meeting between the Foreign Ministers:
The two Foreign Ministers discussed the current relations between China and Uzbekistan. Both agreed that relations between the two states have certainly seen positive growth.
They said that this advance was only because of the determination of the leaders of the two states.
Furthermore, they also discussed further strengthening these ties. and further increasing partnership in trade, economy, culture, politics, and other technical fields.
Correspondingly, specific proposals were discussed to increase trade, transport, agriculture, and pharmaceutical cooperation. The two ministers emphasized the need to take joint measures to increase Uzbek-Chinese trade to $10 billion.
Moreover, they also debated the need to accelerate multilateral work in constructing the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway.
Fundamentally, the ministers discussed the ongoing preparations for the upcoming meetings of the Council of Foreign Ministers and Council of Heads of SCO.
The topical issues related to regional and international politics were also discussed during the meeting.
Chinese Foreign Minister’s Remarks:
The Foreign Minister of China congratulated the government on the success of its policy in the domestic and foreign domains. He also affirmed that China would continue to support Uzbekistan as it takes the path of transformation and introduces new reforms in the state.
Wang Yi also appreciated the initiative by Uzbekistan to hold an International Conference on Afghanistan. The conference “Afghanistan: Security and Economic Development” was mainly to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan and call for international states to help Afghanistan.
Also Read: Afghanistan at International Tashkent Summit
He also expressed China’s full support for the early construction of the strategic railway line “Termez-Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar.” The railway aims to enhance interstate trade and strengthen interconnectedness between Central and South Asia.
Also read: Uzbek-Pak-Afghan Railway Project, Anchor for Regional Prosperity: Uzbek Envoy
Furthermore, Wang Yi announced that China fully supports the chairmanship of Uzbekistan in SCO. He also expressed gratitude for Uzbekistan organizing events to foster relations between states.
Concluding the meeting, Wang Yi and Vladimir Norov committed to implementing their agreements with a more effective approach. They also agreed to continue supporting each other on international forums.
Council of Foreign Ministers of SCO:
The Council of Foreign Ministers meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) started on Thursday. It is a two-day meeting held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Also read: SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Uzbekistan
The year 2022 marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the SCO Charter. It is also the 15th anniversary of the Treaty on Long-term Good Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation among SCO member states.
Consequently, the aim of the meeting is to strengthen ties between member states of SCO further. Foreign Ministers will exchange views on issues of shared interest in various areas. The ministers will also discuss issues of regional and international dynamics.
