Wei Fenghe, state councilor and minister of National Defense, held talks with Uzbek Defense Minister Abdusalom Azizov on April 21 in Beijing.

Wei commented that the Belt and Road Initiative has deepened the traditional China-Uzbekistan friendship by further strengthening bilateral interactions and interconnectivity.

Based on the major consensus reached by both countries, Wei added, along with Uzbekistan, China is willing to push forward strategic cooperation under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization framework and deepen pragmatic collaboration in the military field, in order to efficiently safeguard common interests, regional peace and stability.

Azizov also said military joint efforts will further contribute to the development of a bilateral military relationship.