China, Uzbekistan to Accelerate Energy and Transport Projects

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Beijing is ready to deepen cooperation with Uzbekistan in key economic and infrastructure areas, including energy, resources, transport connectivity, digital development, and the green economy. Special emphasis was placed on advancing major joint projects, including the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway.

Li made the statement during a meeting in Beijing with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov. The two sides discussed prospects for expanding bilateral partnership amid what the Chinese premier described as a complex and unstable international environment.

The Chinese leader stressed that Beijing views relations with Tashkent as an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era and intends to strengthen coordination with Uzbekistan. He said China is ready to enhance political mutual trust, support each other on core issues, and expand practical cooperation across multiple sectors.

Li also highlighted the need to further align development strategies between the two countries and to simplify trade and investment procedures. The Chinese side expressed interest in increasing imports of high-quality Uzbek products and expanding investment by Chinese companies in Uzbekistan, while also calling for protection of the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese investors.

Transport and humanitarian ties were also identified as priorities. China supported expanded use of visa-free travel arrangements, increased direct flights, and strengthened cooperation in culture, education, tourism, and youth exchanges.

International and multilateral cooperation was also discussed. Li said China is ready for closer coordination with Uzbekistan within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the China–Central Asia mechanism, as well as for promoting global initiatives and building a more equitable international order.

In turn, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov said relations between the two countries are developing dynamically and serve as an example of good-neighborly and mutually beneficial partnership. He reaffirmed Tashkent’s commitment to the “one China” principle and emphasized Uzbekistan’s interest in further expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, transport, culture, and education.

Aripov also stated Uzbekistan’s readiness to work jointly on countering terrorism, extremism, and separatism, and to actively cooperate within the SCO and other multilateral platforms.