Quotable quotes from Chinese president's visit to Uzbekistan

Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Tashkent Wednesday for a state visit to Uzbekistan, where he met with his Uzbek counterpart Islam Karimov to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

The following are some quotable quotes selected from Hu's remarks during his visit to Uzbekistan on Wednesday:

"China highly appreciates Uzbekistan's continued and firm support on issues concerning China's core interests. China respects the independence and sovereignty of Uzbekistan, and will as always back its efforts to safeguard stability, develop its economy and improve its people's livelihood."

"China has always attached great importance to developing Sino-Uzbek relations and has taken as guiding principles long-term friendship, mutual respect, mutual trust, and equality and mutual benefit."

"China will not alter its stance despite changes in international and regional situations."

"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."

"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."

Source:Xinhua