China to advance ties with Uzbekistan

China expressed willingness to advance strategic relationship with Uzbekistan on Wednesday following President Islam Karimov's reelection as the head of state of the Central Asian nation, China's state run news agency Xinhua reported.
China respects the Uzbek people's choice and supports them to take a path that suits their own national conditions, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.
She voiced confidence that Uzbekistan would maintain political stability, economic development and play a bigger role in international affairs.
As strategic partners, China and Uzbekistan have maintained a momentum for healthy and rapid growth in the relationship. "China is willing to work with Uzbekistan to implement the consensus reached by leaders of both countries to advance bilateral ties," she said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Karimov on Monday and congratulated him during a phone conversation on Tuesday.