President of Uzbekistan for New Economic dialogue “China – Central Asia”

Tashkent: On January 25, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in a meeting of the heads of states of Central Asia and China in the format of a videoconference organized on the initiative of President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping in connection with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The event was also attended by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The Leaders of the countries summed up the results of 30 years of cooperation between the Central Asian states and China, exchanged views on topical issues and priority areas of multifaceted cooperation for the future.

At the beginning of his speech, the Head of Uzbekistan state congratulated the participants on the anniversary date and noted that over the past time, comprehensive strategic relations between Uzbekistan and China have become dynamic and stable.

Voicing the priorities of cooperation, the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took the initiative to develop a strategy for a New Economic dialogue “China – Central Asia”, designed to ensure unhindered trade and the formation of a common space of industrial cooperation and localization.

The President of Uzbekistan also stressed the importance of developing system solutions to ensure uninterrupted cargo flow and the development of trans-regional logistics networks along the China –Central Asia route. It is proposed to start the practical implementation of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway construction project this year.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev drew the attention of the summit participants to the need to combine efforts for the widespread introduction of digital technologies. It is proposed to create a joint platform of the “Intellectual Silk Road” on the basis of IT parks.

Cooperation in the field of healthcare and combating infectious diseases is called an important area of cooperation. The readiness to continue partnership with China in the development, testing and production of vaccines was expressed. The Uzbek side also supports mutual recognition of vaccination passports, which will facilitate the movement of people and goods between our countries.

Separately, the head of state dwelt on the task of reducing poverty, calling its solution the most important condition for ensuring the well-being of the population.
In this regard, Uzbekistan is interested in further cooperation with China on the modernization of the agricultural sector, the cultivation of crops on saline and saline lands, the establishment of production chains between cities and villages.

In addition, the President of Uzbekistan called for close cooperation and joint implementation of proactive measures to meet the rapidly growing food needs of the population during the pandemic. It is proposed to jointly initiate the adoption of a separate resolution of the UN General Assembly on ensuring food security in a pandemic.

Along with this, the need to jointly promote the climate agenda within the framework of the construction of the “Green Silk Road” was noted.

An initiative has been put forward to develop a Roadmap to ensure “environmentally friendly development” aimed at intensifying investment and technological cooperation in the field of alternative energy.

Special attention was paid to the issues of further rapprochement of the peoples of Central Asia and China, the expansion of cultural and humanitarian exchange.The Leader of Uzbekistan proposed to declare next year the “Year of Culture and Art of the Peoples of Central Asia and China” with an emphasis on academic and student programs, youth forums and sports competitions.

In his speech, the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also touched upon the issues of continuing cooperation in the field of strengthening regional security. The importance of coordinating joint efforts in the Afghan direction in the interests of implementing the “Safe Silk Road” concept was noted.

At the end of his speech, the Head of Uzbekistan wished the Chinese people a successful holding of the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing.

Following the Summit, a Joint Statement was adopted, which reflected common approaches to key issues of further strengthening the multifaceted partnership between the Central Asian States and China.