Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (2nd R) meets with visiting Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan (2nd L) in Tashkent Dec. 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Sadat)

TASHKENT, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan here Wednesday, expressing willingness to improve practical cooperation in various fields.

Mirziyoyev said China is a close friend and reliable partner of Uzbekistan, which adheres to the one-China policy and supports the Belt and Road Initiative.

Uzbekistan is ready to cooperate with China in a comprehensive way to serve the interests of both peoples and maintain regional peace and stability, said the president.

Chang said China and Uzbekistan have a long history of friendship and their relationship entered a new era in 2017, when the two countries celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties.

He said China is willing to work with Uzbekistan to implement the consensuses reached by the two countries' heads of state and strengthen relations between the two countries and militaries, so as to contribute to a better comprehensive strategic partnership.

Earlier in the day, Chang also held talks here with his Uzbek counterpart.