BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang mourned the passing of Uzbek President Islam Karimov at the Uzbek embassy to China on Sunday morning.

Li brought a wreath and signed the condolence book, in which he expressed "profound condolences".

Li said Karimov was an old friend of the Chinese people, who made important contributions to the development of China-Uzbekistan relations. His passing is a great loss of the Uzbek people. The Chinese people also lost a sincere friend. The Chinese government and people felt deep grief at his death.

Li added that the Chinese side was ready to continue to work with Uzbekistan to push forward the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

Uzbek Ambassador to China Daniyar Kurbanov expressed gratitude for the condolences from the Chinese government, and its great and sincere support.

He said the Uzbek side was willing to work with China to push the bilateral relations to a new high.