Uzbek President Islam Karimov said Friday in Beijing that the treaty on friendly and cooperative partnership he signed with Chinese President Hu Jintao this week is of "historic significance."

The presidents of the two countries signed the treaty Wednesday at the start of President Karimov's three-day state visit to China. They also witnessed the signing of a dozen agreements to cement bilateral cooperation in the areas of economy, trade and technology.

President Karimov told Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing during a meeting Friday that the treaty has laid a solid foundation for deepening bilateral relations and cooperation.

Li described the treaty as having set up a legal basis for the long-term growth of Sino-Uzbekistan relationship in a stable and comprehensive manner.

The treaty has also provided new major opportunities for cooperation in various areas, said the Chinese foreign minister.

The foreign ministry of China will work with its counterparts in Uzbekistan to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, Li said.

Earlier, Chinese President Hu Jintao told President Karimov that China "respects the way that the Karimov chooses to develop his country and his efforts in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Karimov, who arrived in Beijing Wednesday, will conclude his visit Friday, his fourth trip to China since assuming the presidency.

Source: Xinhua