Chinese leader to visit Uzbekistan; package of agreements being prepared

TASHKENT. Sept 12 (Interfax) - Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay an official visit to Samarkand September 14-16, where he will hold talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and will attend a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

"At the invitation of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to our country on September 14-16," according to a statement published on the Uzbek presidential website.

"The leaders of Uzbekistan and China will also exchange views on key international and regional issues. A joint statement and a solid package of agreements are expected to be signed after the meeting," the report said.

During their talks, the sides will discuss steps to further strengthen their friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership and broaden the two countries' cooperation in a wide variety of spheres. Topics that will traditionally be at the center of the agenda include practical aspects of cooperation and the implementation of joint projects in a range of fields, above all trade, investments, industrial cooperation, energy, transport, innovations, green and digital economy, and programs in healthcare, education and culture.

Uzbekistan holds the rotating chairmanship of the SCO in 2021-2022.