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

The presidents of the two countries signed the treaty Wednesday at the start of 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.

Karimov told 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-Uzbek relationship in a stable and comprehensive manner.

The treaty has also provided new major opportunities for cooperation in various areas, he said.

Earlier, President Hu told Karimov that the signing of the treaty demonstrates the two people's common will and determination to keep traditional friendship and lays down a sound political and legal foundation for the long-term development of the bilateral ties.

Karimov also met with Premier Wen Jiabao and State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan respectively.

Karimov left Beijing Friday. This is his fourth visit to China since assuming the presidency. He had visited China in 1992, 1994 and 1999.

China and Uzbekistan are both member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional organization founded in 2001 that also includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

(Xinhua News Agency May 27, 2005)