Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Tashkent Monday evening to begin a state visit to Uzbekistan and to attend the annual summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Hu said in a written speech upon arrival at the airport that his current visit to Uzbekistan is aimed at "outlining the orientation and key areas of cooperation" of China-Uzbekistan relations.

The Chinese president is expected to meet with Uzbek President Islam Karimov and other Uzbek leaders during his stay in Tashkent.

China and Uzbekistan established full diplomatic relations 12 years ago. Hu said the two countries have respected each other and treated each other with sincerity.

The SCO summit meeting, slated to begin on June 17, will focus on regional security issues and development orientation of the organization.

(Xinhua News Agency June 15, 2004)