On a crisp Tuesday morning, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The high-level meeting signals a fresh push to strengthen cooperation across trade, technology and cultural ties.
Both leaders highlighted the historic Silk Road as an inspiration for modern collaboration. President Xi underscored the importance of expanding the digital Silk Road, which aims to boost internet infrastructure and e-commerce links between the Chinese mainland and Central Asia.
Mirziyoyev emphasized that the partnership goes beyond economics into shared innovation and sustainable growth. He also proposed launching joint ventures in artificial intelligence, renewable energy and smart manufacturing.
For travelers and digital nomads, the revived Silk Road corridor promises easier visa processes and sustainable tourism initiatives that showcase Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage—from the UNESCO-listed cities of Samarkand and Bukhara to local festivals and culinary tours.
The two presidents concluded with a joint statement committing to deeper people-to-people connections, educational scholarships and green infrastructure projects across Central Asia. As global competition intensifies, the China-Uzbek partnership could become a blueprint for cooperation between major powers and emerging markets.
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President Xi Jinping meets Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev
cgtn.com
