China, Uzbekistan agree to focus on Belt and Road development

On security, the two sides vowed to resolutely crack down on "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and actively cooperate on cyber security, drug control and combating cross-border organized crimes.

The two heads of state also agreed to carry out closer cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

"China stands ready to work closely with Uzbekistan to boost the development of our bilateral relations and achieve more practical results, " Xi said.

For his part, Karimov described Uzbekistan and China as "good neighbors and partners," noting that Xi's visit will forcefully promote the traditional friendship and reciprocal cooperation.

He said that Uzbekistan supports China's great cause of reunification and China's principles and positions on such issues as Taiwan and Tibet.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the SCO development.

A joint statement was issued after the summit talks and a raft of cooperation deals were signed between the two sides, covering diplomacy, economy and trade, intellectual property rights and financing.

Uzbekistan is the third and final stop of Xi's three-nation tour, which has taken him to Serbia and Poland.