Uzbek Foreign Minister Sodyk Safayev says relations between Uzbekistan and China have been developing steadily in politics, economy and culture.

During an interview with a delegation of Chinese journalists, Safayev said his country and China signed scores of agreements on cooperation during Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Uzbekistan last June, elevating bilateral ties to a new level.

He said as a big country, China plays a special role in the world and helps maintain security and stability in Central Asia.

Safayev said the two countries have identical or similar views on international and regional issues.

(CRI.com February 4, 2005)