Secondly, China and Uzbekistan should enhance energy cooperation. Both sides should well implement the Uzbekistan-China natural gas pipeline project, boost cooperation in oil and gas exploration and development, and speed up cooperation in minerals, Hu said.

Thirdly, the two countries should expand cooperation in new sectors, particularly in high technology and new technology, and work to establish a long-term trading partnership, Hu said. 

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L), accompanied by Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov (R), inspects the guard of honor during the welcoming ceremony hosted by Karimov for him, in Tashkent June 9, 2010. [Xinhua photo]

Fourthly, the two countries should deepen security cooperation and take severe measures against the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism. Law enforcement and security departments in both countries should continue to boost two-way cooperation as well as cooperation in the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to safeguard peace, stability and security of the two countries and of the region, Hu said.

Fifthly, the two countries should also strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges to consolidate the foundation for friendship, said Hu, who welcomed more Uzbek students to study in China.

Sixthly, Hu urged both sides to intensify multilateral coordination so as to safeguard the two countries' common interests.

The Chinese president spoke highly of Uzbekistan's efforts in deepening cooperation among SCO member countries, enhancing the internal construction of the organization and boosting the organization's international status during its SCO presidency.

For his part, Karimov hailed Hu's visit on the eve of an annual SCO summit as an important event in Uzbekistan-China relations and a milestone in the development of the friendly and cooperative partnership between the two countries.

The Uzbek president agreed with Hu on his comments on bilateral ties and his six-point proposal to further enhance bilateral relations, saying Hu's suggestion has charted the direction for future bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The comprehensive friendly and cooperative relationship between Uzbekistan and China is based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, Karimov noted.