President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping traveled to Samarkand on September 10.

The high-ranking guest started his tour of the historical monuments of the ancient city from the Mirzo Ulughbek Observatory. The facility is indicative of the great genius of our ancestors, the deep roots and ages-old traditions in the evolution of our science. Xi Jinping got familiarized with the life and academic heritage of Mirzo Ulughbek.

The heads of two states visited the Amir Temur Mausoleum and the Registan Complex.

The Chinese President reviewed with big interest the Registan Complex, which is a unique illustration of the Eastern architecture art.

He enquired into the stationary exposition of the national handicraft.

Crafts and trade have been advanced in Samarkand from time immemorial. The handicraft articles of the skilful Samarkand folk masters used to spread via the Great Silk Road throughout the entire world, and they were in great demand in the Celestial Empire, as well.

Samarkand played an important role in the advancement of China’s trade relations with a great diversity of countries, and in the further enrichment of its culture.

Xi Jinping noted in particular that the historic monuments of Samarkand – themselves epitomizing the ancient culture and the Uzbek national statehood as well as remarkable samples of national architecture – have made an unforgettable impression on him.

“I am very glad to have been honored by an opportunity to visit the city of Samarkand, one of the centers of world civilization. With my own eyes, I have come to believe that wide-scale efforts have been undertaken in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Islam Karimov designed to promote a comprehensive development of the country, a perpetuation of historical monuments and beautification,” China’s leader said.

“I am deeply convinced that the people of Uzbekistan led by President Islam Karimov will keep making remarkable achievements.”

The state visit of the President of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Uzbekistan has proved fruitful by all means. Toward the end of negotiations held at the Kuksaroy residence, Islam Karimov and Xi Jinping signed the Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation as well as the Joint Declaration on the Further Development and Enhancement of Bilateral Relations of Strategic Partnership. Also inked were numerous other mutually advantageous documents at the intergovernmental and interagency levels to further augment cooperation in the manufacturing sector, mineral resources, power industry, transport and high technologies, along with the enhancement of humanitarian ties. All this facilitates the elevation of strategic partnership between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the People’s Republic of China to a qualitatively new level.

The trip to Samarkand concluded the state visit of President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping to the Republic of Uzbekistan. China’s leader stressed that his visit to Uzbekistan has proved rather prolific, and expressed deep gratitude to President Islam Karimov for a sincere and warm reception.

(Source: Press service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan)