On the afternoon of November 1, 2019 local time, invited by Prime Minister Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Premier Li Keqiang arrived at Tashkent Airport to attend the 18th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government and pay an official visit to Uzbekistan.

Prime Minister Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov of Uzbekistan led senior government officials to the airport to greet Li Keqiang. Local youths dressed in ethnic costumes warmly welcomed Li Keqiang along the gangway and presented flowers to Li Keqiang.

Afterwards, Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov held a grand welcome ceremony for Li Keqiang at the airport. The military band played the national anthems of China and Uzbekistan. Accompanied by Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, Li Keqiang inspected the honor guard.

Li Keqiang said, Uzbekistan is China's friendly neighbor. In recent years, China-Uzbekistan relations have entered into a golden age of rapid development under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state. This is my first official visit to Uzbekistan as Chinese Premier. I am looking forward to having an in-depth exchange of views with leaders of the Uzbek side on deepening bilateral relations and practical cooperation in various fields, in a bid to advance China-Uzbekistan comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level, and better benefit the two peoples.

Li Keqiang pointed out, against the current complicated international situation, the SCO plays an increasingly important role in maintaining regional security and stability and promoting the development and prosperity of its member states. I am looking forward to having an in-depth exchange of views with all parties on implementing of the consensus reached at the Bishkek Summit in June this year and promoting the SCO development and multilateral cooperation. It is believed that all parties will take this meeting as an opportunity to continue to carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, enhance good-neighborly friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, expand openness among member states, and advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, in a bid to make greater contributions to the people of all countries in the region.

During his stay in Uzbekistan, Li Keqiang will meet with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and hold talks with Prime Minister Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov and they will witness the signing of cooperation documents between the two countries.

On the sidelines of the 18th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, Li Keqiang and leaders of other SCO member states will plan for practical cooperation in the future and sign cooperation documents. He will also hold bilateral meetings with leaders of relevant countries.

State Councilor and Secretary-General of the State Council Xiao Jie and other delegation members arrived by the same plane.

H.E. Jiang Yan, Chinese Ambassador to Uzbekistan, also greeted Li Keqiang at the airport.