On December 10, Zhang Jun, Secretary General of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), met with the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to China H.E. Mr. Farhod Arziev.

Secretary General Zhang expressed his gratitude to Uzbekistan as the initial country of the Forum and to Ambassador Arziev for his long-term attention and support of the BFA. Secretary General said that BFA’s founding purpose was to promote regional development and economic integration and it carries the keen expectations and strong support of the 29 initial countries for enhancing mutual trust, unity and cooperation and creating a better future. Against the backdrop of headwinds threatening multilateralism and many challenges to sustainable development, the BFA will remain focused on Asia with a global outlook, continue to regard economic development as its primary direction and closely address the global agenda. Secretary General Zhang noted that the Forum will uphold multilateralism, strengthen connectivity, promote energy transition, bridge the digital divide, seek open development and implement the Sustainable Development Goals. He highlighted that Uzbekistan is welcome to encourage participation of high-level representatives from various fields, including politics, business and academia, in the Annual Conference of the Boao Forum for Asia.

Ambassador Arziev expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by the Boao Forum for Asia to promote regional cooperation in Asia, as well as its important role as a platform in leading the way, promoting development, encouraging dialogue and enhancing trust. Ambassador noted that Uzbekistan's national strategy of strengthening regional connectivity, promoting green energy transition and enhancing sustainable development capacity is highly consistent with the direction of the Forum's work. He added that the Uzbek side is willing to further deepen cooperation with the Forum, arrange for more Uzbek entrepreneurs and think tank scholars to participate in the Annual Conference and other important activities of the BFA, and promote pragmatic cooperation in various fields to achieve more tangible results.