This file photo dated March 4, 2023 shows the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING — At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a state visit to China from Jan 23 to 25, foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Friday.

Since China and Uzbekistan established diplomatic ties 32 years ago, the two sides have always respected each other, maintained good-neighborly friendship, worked together in times of difficulties and achieved mutual benefit, another foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular press briefing.

Bilateral relations have achieved leap-forward development with fruitful cooperation in various fields, Mao said.

Mao said President Mirziyoyev's visit will demonstrate the high level of China-Uzbekistan relations and the profound friendship between the two heads of state.

The two sides will take this visit as an opportunity to enhance bilateral ties and enrich the connotation of the China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future, Mao said.

During the visit, the two countries will hold a series of supporting activities in culture, education and sub-national cooperation to comprehensively deepen cooperation in various fields and benefit the two peoples.

At the invitation of Premier Li Qiang of the State Council, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne will pay an official visit to China from January 22 to 28, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Friday.