Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Uzbek President Islam Karimov, who came to pay a visit to China and attend a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 6, 2012. The two presidents held talks on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

Chinese President Hu Jintao on Wednesday held talks with Uzbek President Islam Karimov in Beijing, and both sides agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

Reviewing the healthy development of bilateral ties in the past two decades, Hu said China is ready to make joint efforts with Uzbekistan to lift the relationship between the nations to the level of strategic partnership.

Hu called on the two sides to enhance political mutual trust, support each other's development paths and stances on issues concerning core interests, and maintain close communication and coordination on regional and international affairs.

On promoting pragmatic cooperation, the Chinese president suggested the two sides expand economic and trade cooperation, fully implement a long-term trade agreement signed in late 2009 as well as a currency swap agreement signed in 2011, and deepen energy cooperation.

He also called for quick implementation of a plan on non-resources and high technology cooperation, and a step-up in joint construction of special economic zones as well as transportation infrastructures.

On security cooperation, Hu suggested the two sides jointly fight against the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as drug trafficking and transnational organized crimes.

Calling on the two sides to expand people-to-people contact, Hu encouraged more exchanges and dialogues between young people, so to increase mutual understanding and cement the foundation of bilateral friendship.

Karimov said the two countries have forged sound relations on the basis of equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

He said the establishment of a bilateral strategic partnership has great significance for the long-term and stable development of bilateral ties as well as the lasting peace and development of Central Asia.

Karimov said Uzbekistan will continue supporting China on major issues, including law-enforcement and security cooperation and the strike on the "three evil forces."

Uzbekistan hopes to enhance economic, energy and investment cooperation with China, fully implement the construction of oil and gas pipeline projects, expand cooperation in mining and aviation, and advance the building of transportation networks, according to its leader.

The country is willing to beef up cooperation with China in the areas of education, health, tourism and culture, he added.

Karimov said his country attaches great importance to China's role in international and regional issues, and is ready to enhance coordination with China in the multilateral arena and within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

After their talks, the two leaders signed a joint declaration on the establishment of bilateral strategic partnership and witnessed the signing of a series of cooperative documents.

On Wednesday morning, Hu held a red-carpet ceremony to welcome Karimov at the Great Hall of the People.

Karimov arrived in Beijing on Tuesday evening to visit China and attend the SCO summit.