WNAM REPORT: Summarizing the results of the outgoing year has become a good tradition. It would not be an exaggeration to say that in 2024, relations between Uzbekistan and China reached the best level in history. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Uzbekistan Yu Jun shared his opinion on this matter:
It must be admitted that the ending year has become essential in developing bilateral relations. During this time, the heads of the two states met twice. Thanks to the visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to China, the interaction between China and Uzbekistan has entered a new historical stage of an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership.
For China, Uzbekistan is the only partner in Central Asia in this status, which fully expresses the high level of political confidence of our people in strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation.
The trade volume has grown steadily this year and exceeded $11 billion. It is gratifying that China is Uzbekistan’s number one economic partner. There are currently over 3,300 Chinese enterprises registered in your country. Cooperation is deepening in key areas such as trade, investment, new energy, communications, infrastructure, modern agriculture, and industrial production.
Many joint projects are being consistently implemented. The start of construction of the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway is a very joyful event. I am confident that this initiative will serve the development of the region’s countries and the well-being of our people.
The number of Chinese tourists visiting Uzbekistan has increased significantly, exceeding 60 thousand people per year, while the number of Uzbekistan tourists has increased by 60 percent compared to the previous year.
Recently, an agreement on a mutual visa-free regime was signed between our countries. When it comes into force, the movement of citizens will become more convenient and faster.
It is known that 2025 has been declared the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy in Uzbekistan. Based on this, we plan to expand cooperation in new energy, scientific and technological innovation, digital economy, and ecology, widely using advanced and clean technologies to promote sustainable economic development.
We also plan to deepen partnership in the security sphere – to combat traditional and non-traditional threats, strengthen coordination on the problem of Afghanistan, and effectively use mechanisms to ensure the balanced work of important joint projects.
We are ready to deepen ties in culture, education, and tourism, jointly organize various cultural events, expand youth exchanges, and ensure the continuation of friendship between China and Uzbekistan.
I would like to remind you that the 25th SCO Summit will be held in China next year. Within the framework of this structure, our country plans to organize more than 100 events dedicated to the Year of Sustainable Development. As before, Uzbekistan is expected to support China in its chairmanship and contribute to the stable and healthy development of the SCO.
Next year, Kazakhstan will host the Second China – Central Asia Summit, and a secretariat for this mechanism has been created. Based on this, we hope to work hand in hand with the region’s countries to deepen multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of common development.
The Chinese side is ready to fully implement the agreements of the heads of the two states and raise the process of building a Community of Common Destiny to a higher level.
In conclusion, I would like to sincerely congratulate the Uzbekistan people on the holiday. May your life be filled with smiles, happiness, and kindness in the new year. I wish our friend Uzbekistan prosperity and success. May the friendship between China and Uzbekistan be eternal!
