In a significant diplomatic engagement, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov convened the second strategic dialogue in Tashkent on Friday. Wang emphasized the importance of steering bilateral relations towards a new benchmark of good neighborliness, solidarity, and mutual trust. He highlighted the need to leverage the strategic dialogue platform to implement key agreements reached by the two heads of state. Wang reiterated China’s commitment to viewing Uzbekistan as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and a crucial partner in its global diplomatic strategy. He expressed China’s support for Uzbekistan’s development path tailored to its national conditions and its aspirations for a new Uzbekistan. Wang also noted that China has emerged as Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner and a major source of investment. The two nations are set to collaborate on the landmark China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, diversify connectivity networks, and enhance cooperation in green minerals, new energy, and high technology. Additionally, Wang called for strengthened exchanges in education, culture, and tourism. He commended Uzbekistan’s achievements in poverty reduction and offered to share China’s experience in poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. Saidov expressed gratitude for China’s support in improving livelihoods and reducing poverty in Uzbekistan. He expressed Uzbekistan’s desire to learn from China’s governance experience, strengthen high-level exchanges, expand bilateral trade, deepen Belt and Road cooperation, and jointly combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism. The meeting concluded with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also meeting with Wang, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.