The ongoing "Chinese Cultural Week" here has won acclaim in Uzbekistan and both China and Uzbekistan believe cultural exchanges will help boost their bilateral relations.

The five-day "Chinese Cultural Festival" began Saturday in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent, two days before Chinese President Hu Jintao's state visit to this Central Asian country.

During Saturday's opening ceremony, the audience were amazed by the traditional Chinese music and acrobatic performance and gave thundering applause every a few minutes.

"Chinese performers are just extraordinary. Marvelous Chinese art. I hope the two countries will hold more cultural activities like this," said an excited Uzbek viewer.

Chinese Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Gao Yusheng, and Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister, Alisher Azizkhodzhayev, attended the opening ceremony.

"China and Uzbekistan have rich historical legacy. Both countries have made their important contribution to the development of world civilization," Gao said.

"Cultural exchanges will help strengthen the friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries and their people," he added.

Azizkhodzhayev told reporters that his country has been happy about the mutually beneficial cooperation with China since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1991, in fields such as politics, economy, culture, science and technology, and education.

He promised that Uzbekistan will continue to make effort to push the ties with China to a brand new level.

He expressed his belief that Chinese President Hu's visit will undoubtedly boost the further development of Uzbekistan-China relations.
 
(Xinhua News Agency June 14, 2004)