Premier Li Keqiang sent a telegram of condolences to Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev over the death of Uzbek President Islam Karimov on September 3.

In the telegram, the Premier said Karimov, who served as president of the newly independent republic, was loved and respected by his people. He made great contributions to the friendly relationship between China and Uzbekistan. Premier Li said Karimov’s death was not only a great loss for his own country, it also meant China had lost a sincere friend.

Premier Li said China attached great importance to the development of China-Uzbekistan relations and cherished the traditional bilateral friendships. China is willing to promote a further development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.