Consolidate Sino-Tajik Friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation

Defining Tajikistan as an important partner of cooperation of China in Central Asia, the Chinese foreign minister said that since the two countries established diplomatic ties 18 years ago, bilateral relations has always kept a good momentum of healthy and steady development and has borne many fruits.

During his visit to Tajikistan, Premier Wen had an extensive exchange of views with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Prime Minister Akil Akilov on bilateral relations and other issues of common concern, said Yang.

Premier Wen spoke highly of the significant progress achieved in the development of the Sino-Tajik good-neighborly relations of friendship and cooperation, and stressed China's willingness to intensify cooperation with Tajikistan in sectors such as trade, power generation, transportation and mining on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

Premier Wen pointed out that China is ready to work with Tajikistan to promote bilateral ties to a higher level.

The Tajik leaders expressed their gratitude for China's sincere help and great support for Tajikistan's effort on maintenance of national sovereignty and economic development, said the Chinese foreign minister.

The Tajik leaders said Tajikistan attaches great importance to ties with China, and is ready to further consolidate political mutual trust and deepen pragmatic cooperation, and work jointly with China to safeguard regional security and stability and push bilateral ties to a higher level.

During Premier Wen's visit to Tajikistan, the two sides issued a joint communique, and inked cooperation agreements on agriculture, finance, electricity and transportation.

Yang said Premier Wen's visits to Russia and Tajikistan had achieved the goal of enhancing mutual understanding, deepening cooperation and promoting development.

China is willing to further deepen relations with Russia and Tajikistan, and work with other SCO members to promote regional peace, cooperation and harmonious development, he added.