A handout photograph released by the Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan on April 30, 2023, shows Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visiting a polling station in Tashkent. (PHOTO / AFP)

BEIJING — China congratulates Uzbekistan on the smooth referendum on its new constitution, according to remarks by a Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

"We believe that under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the people of Uzbekistan will achieve even greater progress on all fronts in the nation's reform and development efforts," read the remarks made public online Tuesday.

As a friendly neighbor and comprehensive strategic partner, China highly values its relations with Uzbekistan, the spokesperson said.

READ MORE: Uzbeks vote on proposed constitutional amendments

China stands ready to work with Uzbekistan to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields and strive for new achievements in building a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future, according to the spokesperson.

Uzbekistan held a referendum on Sunday, which approved amendments to the country's constitution. The new constitution entered into force on Monday.