China-Uzbekistan ties to be raised to new level

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) is welcomed by Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov at theairport in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sept. 8, 2013. Xi arrived here on Sunday for a state visit to Uzbekistan. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Chinese President Xi Jinping has begun his state visit in Uzbekistan. It's his first visit to the country since taking office. The people of Uzbekistan have expressed high expectations of his visit.

Since the beginning of September, the news of the Chinese President's first visit to the country has grabbed the headlines.  [Special coverage]

The Uzbekistan government newspaper and news agency have published articles about the achievements of China and Uzbekistan since diplomatic relations were established 21 years ago.

President Xi's visit is expected to play a key role in further developing the strategic partnership between the two countries, and raising economic and trade cooperation to a new level.

Azim Pulatov with National TV and Radio of Uzbekistan said, "I think President Xi Jinping's visit will bring a lot of surprises. New leaders have new perspectives. He will have new ideas on how to strengthen the relationship between our two countries. "

And the people of Uzbekistan are also looking forward to President Xi's visit.

China is the second largest trading partner and the largest investor to Uzbekistan.

Economic and trade cooperation in recent years has brought tangible benefits to Uzbekistan.

Projects like petroleum and railway development have not only provided assistance in building up the country's energy and infrastructure, it's also brought plenty of job opportunities.

Meanwhile, high-tech cooperation between the two countries has also seen great developments.

Uzbekistan resident said, "Our country is now focusing on developing medium and small enterprises and we've had a lot of help through investing in technologies and equipment from China. I believe our friendship will deepen as a result of President Xi Jinping's visit. "

Ismatulla is the Vice-President of the Uzbekistan-China Friendship Association.

He spent a year studying in Shandong Province and can speak fluent Chinese.

He says studying Chinese is becoming more popular in Uzbekistan, which means bilateral cooperation is also contributing to cultural exchange.

Ismatulla said, "An old saying in China is "a distant relative is not as helpful as a near neighbor". So we're happy to say we have a reliable neighbor, which has helped us a lot in terms of economic development. So President Xi Jinping's visit is very important. Our people hope relations between our two countries will be raised to a new level. "

Chinese President Xi Jinping began his Uzbekistan visit on Sunday.

It's his first Central-Asia tour after taking office.