SOCHI, Russia — Premier Li Keqiang held talks with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov on bilateral ties in the Russian city of Sochi on Nov 30.

Premier Li said China and Uzbekistan are close and friendly neighbors. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In May this year, President Xi Jinping met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Both sides decided to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

China-Uzbekistan cooperation is mutually complementary and both sides need to further align each other’s development strategies, Premier Li said.

Premier Li called on both countries to carry out projects on interconnectivity and production capacity and to create favorable conditions for cooperation between the two countries’ companies.

Regarding China as an important partner for Uzbekistan, Aripov said his country is ready to work with China to cooperate in various fields such as transport infrastructure and hydropower, and to push forward all-around development of bilateral ties and cooperation.

Uzbekistan highly appreciates the positive role China has played in the development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and will enhance collaboration with China within the framework of the SCO, said Aripov.