Exchanges and cooperation between China and Uzbekistan in all fields are broad and highly effective, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said in Tashkent Tuesday.

 

Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of CPC, made the remarks while meeting with Uzbekistan's Speaker of the Legislative Chamber Erkin Halilov.

 

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Uzbekistan in January 1992, the two countries' high level exchanges have increased, mutual trust on political issues has been deepened and cooperation in all areas has made progress, said Li, who arrived in Tashkent on Tuesday afternoon for a good-will visit.

 

Through this visit, the two sides will further enhance understanding and deepen friendly relationship, said Li. Halilov said bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and China have developed well.

 

Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a state visit to Uzbekistan in June 2004 and President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov visited China last year, which have laid foundations for further developing bilateral relations, he added.

 

He said Li's visit will also achieve complete success. Uzbekistan is the first leg of Li's four-nation tour, which will also take him to Bulgaria, Switzerland and Norway.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 7, 2006)