Chinese Premier Li Qiang Arrives in Tashkent on Official Visit

Chinese State Council Premier Li Qiang is making an official visit to Uzbekistan on October 17–18 by invitation of Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Xinhua news agency reported citing China's Foreign Ministry official spokesperson. The visit occurs against the backdrop of intensified bilateral cooperation between Beijing and Tashkent in trade, economics, and infrastructure.

Following the conclusion of the Uzbekistan phase, Li Qiang will visit Tajikistan on October 18–20 by invitation of Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda. The main event of the Tajik stage will be the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) — a key regional association of Eurasia's largest powers.

Subsequently, on October 20–22, the Chinese premier will travel to Russia by invitation of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The centerpiece of the Russian phase will be the 31st regular meeting of the heads of government of China and Russia — a traditional platform for coordinating priorities of bilateral cooperation in economics, energy, and trade. Thus, the visits span three key directions of Chinese policy in Central Asia and the post-Soviet space.