TASHKENT, July 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Uzbekistan and China should work closely to further promote bilateral relations and boost their cooperation in economic sector and other fields of interest, Uzbekleaders and visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi agreed Monday.

    During his meeting with Wu, who arrived here Sunday, Uzbek President Islam Karimov said his country is committed to the one-China policy and supports China's reunification.

    He said he is convinced that the friendly and cooperative partnership between Uzbekistan and China will see bilateral cooperation moving into a new phase of all-round development.

    Karimov thanked China for supporting Uzbekistan in ensuring national security and stability, and for helping the country with its economic development.

    On the same day, Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyayev and Deputy Prime Minister Rustam Azimov met Wu separately. During the meetings, the two leaders and Wu agreed that both countries should strengthen economic ties and fully explore their cooperation potential.

    The government and businesses in Uzbekistan aspire to expand trade with China through increasing direct trade and hope Chinese enterprises will give priority to Uzbekistan in regard to overseasinvestment, Uzbek leaders said.

    Uzbekistan is also willing to deepen economic and trade cooperation with China within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), they said.

    Wu said China is dedicated to promoting Sino-Uzbek relations, however the international and regional climates change.

    The Sino-Uzbek treaty on friendly and cooperative partnership, which was signed during President Karimov's state visit to China in May, opened a new page on bilateral relations, the vice premiersaid. Both countries should follow the principles outlined in the treaty and fully implement all consensus and agreements reached, she added.

    The two countries should work together to increase mutual political trust, promote mutually beneficial economic cooperation,support each other in the security arena, and consolidate their traditional friendship, the vice premier said.

    The Chinese government will encourage Chinese businesses to invest in the Central Asian country, Wu said. The two sides shouldexplore flexible and effective ways to strengthen cooperation in telecommunications, transport, energy and infrastructure, she said.

    Wu reiterated that China supports Uzbekistan's bid to enter theWorld Trade Organization.

    Uzbek leaders said they appreciate China's efforts to maintain regional security and stability and to promote mutual development within the SCO. Uzbekistan is willing to reinforce cooperation with China in cracking down on the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism.

    Also on Monday, Wu and Azimov attended the signing ceremonies of agreements on bilateral economic and technical cooperation and on the opening of a Uzbek consulate in Shanghai.

    Uzbekistan is the second leg of Wu's four-nation Central Asia tour, which has taken her to Kazakhstan, and will take her to Turkmenistan and Tajikistan next. Enditem