On the afternoon of May 25, 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks in the Great Hall of the People with Uzbek President Islam Karimov. Both sides agreed to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields in an all-round manner so as to uplift bilateral friendly and cooperative partnership to a higher level.

Hu said the exchanges and cooperation between China and Uzbekistan in various areas have witnessed rapid development since the establishment of bilateral friendly and cooperative partnership. China appreciates Uzbekistan's adherence to the one-China policy and its support of China's reunification cause. China respects the way the Uzbek people choose to develop their country in light of their own reality as well as their efforts in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Hu said the signing of the Treaty between China and Uzbekistan on Friendly and Cooperative Partnership demonstrates the two people's common aspiration and determination to maintain their friendship generation after generation. It also lays down a sound political and legal foundation for the long-term development of China-Uzbekistan relations. Hu said the Chinese government highly values its relations with Uzbekistan and will consolidate traditional friendship, deepen bilateral partnership, promote all-round cooperation and seek common development based on the principles and spirit of the treaty.

Karimov said Uzbekistan has maintained close relations of friendly and reciprocal cooperation with China since its independence. China is a reliable friend and friendly neighbor for Uzbekistan. The Treaty between China and Uzbekistan on Friendly and Cooperative Partnership to be signed shortly indicates that bilateral ties have entered a new stage with higher level of development, laying a solid foundation for the development of bilateral new strategic partnership. Uzbekistan will continue to uphold the one-China policy and would like to enhance cooperation with China and consolidate the existing sound relations with China.

Hu said China and Uzbekistan enjoy strong economic complementarities and great potential of cooperation. The two sides should grasp the opportunity to promote cooperation in such priority areas as oil, gas, mining, telecommunications, transportation and infrastructure construction. China encourages and supports businesses from the two countries to conduct exchanges, expand trade, invest mutually and cooperate closely. Both sides should provide facilitation and create conditions for the businesses in the two countries to enhance cooperation. China supports Uzbekistan's accession to the WTO. China gives priority to strengthening bilateral exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, health and sports.

Karimov said Uzbekistan and China have witnessed rapid growth in economic and trade cooperation over recent years and still enjoy great potential and bright prospect of cooperation. Uzbekistan would like to work closely with China to enhance cooperation in oil, transportation, science, technology, tourism and infrastructure construction so as to make bilateral cooperation even more productive. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan would like to promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation in culture and education.

When talking about regional situations, Hu said China and Central Asian countries enjoy common interests in safeguarding regional peace, stability and security and in seeking common development and prosperity. Under the new situation, China would like to enhance solidarity and coordination with countries in this region both on a bilateral basis and within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to jointly fight against the "three forces", safeguard regional peace, stability and security, and boost continuous development of regional cooperation.

Karimov said Uzbekistan and China share consistent stances concerning safeguarding regional peace and security. Uzbekistan appreciates China's increasingly important role in international affairs and would like to enhance cooperation with China both on a bilateral basis and within the SCO and other multilateral frameworks to safeguard regional peace and security.

Following talks, the two heads of state jointly signed the Treaty between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Uzbekistan on Friendly Cooperative Partnership and attended the signing ceremony of over 10 documents including China-Uzbekistan Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement and China-Uzbekistan Mutual Help on Customs Agreement.

Prior to the talks, President Hu Jintao held a welcoming ceremony for President Karimov at the square in front of the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Also present at the ceremony were President Hu's wife Liu Yongqing, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Ismail Amat, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political and Consultative Conference Liu Yandong, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party Chen Zongxing, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Minister of National Development and Reform Commission Ma Kai, Minister of Finance Jin Renqing and Chinese Ambassador to Uzbekistan Gao Yusheng.