"Being burgeoning forces in Eurasia, Central Asian countries are attracting the attention of the world for their development and unique geopolitical function," said President Hu Jintao during a speech to the Uzbek parliament.

Hu said relations between China and these countries, which include Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, have developed smoothly. Moreover, China has cooperated closely with these nations to fight terrorism, separatism and extremism, which severely threat the security of the region, he noted.

Hu noted that enterprises in China and Central Asia found synergies between them, and investment was growing in the realms of energy resources and transportation.

Turnover between China and Central Asian countries was more than US$4 billion last year, eight times the 1992 figure. At the same time, China's investment in the region has exceeded US$1 billion.

Hu suggested four general methods of accelerating development:

l Deepening friendly relations and increasing mutual    political trust through intensified high-level exchanges, and perfecting regional cooperation mechanisms;

l Enhancing security coordination and maintaining regional stability, and earnestly carrying out the convention of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other bilateral agreements;

l Adhering to the principle of mutual benefit and trust to accelerate pragmatic cooperation through expanded investment;

l Scaling up cultural exchanges and consolidating traditional friendships by encouraging cultural, media, academic, tourism and social contacts.

Erkin Khalilov, chairman of the Uzbek parliament, said Uzbekistan would cooperate closely with China to implement economic, cultural and technological agreements, as well to ensure stability and safety within the region.

Hu arrived in Tashkent Monday night for a two-day state visit. During his stay, he will attend a summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, scheduled for today.

(China Daily June 17, 2004)