On September 5, 2011, Assistant Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping, at invitation, attended the reception celebrating the 20th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan hosted by Uzbek Ambassador to China Salakhitdinov Alisher.

Addressing the reception, Cheng spoke highly of Uzbekistan's achievements of national construction undertakings over the past 20 years since it became independent. He pointed out China-Uzbekistan relations have maintained a sound growth momentum, political mutual trust has been deepening and the bilateral pragmatic cooperation has achieved fruitful results in all areas since the two countries established diplomatic ties. In April and July this year, Uzbek President Karimov and President of the Senate Sabirov paid successful visits to China. Close high-level exchanges between the two countries are the inexhaustible driving force for comprehensive, in-depth development of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Uzbekistan to take next year’s 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to push bilateral friendly cooperative partnership to a new level.

Ambassador Salakhitdinov introduced the enormous achievements of his country in national construction and economic development since its independence 20 years ago and spoke highly of the outcome of bilateral ties. He emphasized Uzbekistan deems China a good partner and good friend and is ready to work with China to push friendly cooperative partnership for sustained, in-depth development.