On the afternoon of June 5, the 18th session of the 5th Standing Committee of Chongqing People's Congress voted through a decision, approving the establishment of sister prefecture relationship between Chongqing and Uzbekistan's Tashkent Province.
The urban city of Uzbekistan's Tashkent Province
Uzbekistan, located in the hinterland of Central Asia, is a critical member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and also an essential member of BRI partner countries. Backed by its favorable geographical conditions and abundant natural resources, Tashkent Province has developed comprehensive strength, functioning as an important industrial center and agricultural powerhouse of Uzbekistan.
In 1998, Chongqing and Tashkent Province signed an agreement on the establishment of friendly and cooperative relations. On August 28, 2019, the 94th executive meeting of Chongqing Municipal People's Government approved Chongqing to establish a sister prefecture relationship with Tashkent Province. On October 21, 2019, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) officially approved the decision.
Ripe cherries in Uzbekistan's Tashkent Province
The Committee for Ethnic and Religious Affairs, Overseas Chinese Affairs, and Foreign Affairs of Chongqing People's Congress believe that the sister prefecture relationship is conducive to further promoting bilateral cooperation and exchanges in economy, trade, culture, and other fields. In the future, Tashkent Province will undoubtedly become an essential portal for Chongqing's cooperation with Uzbekistan, Central Asia and even the whole Eurasia, which is of great significance for Chongqing to serve our country's overall diplomatic policies, better play its "three roles," promote its construction of the inland opening-up highland and international communication center in the central and western regions of China, extend its global partnership network, and expand its "circle of friends" for international exchanges.