Mutual support, friendship, cooperation and trust vowed

Joint construction of Belt and Road Initiative projects has become the major part of China-Tajikistan cooperation, President Xi Jinping said while meeting with his Tajik counterpart, Emomali Rahmon.

The two sides should promote balanced trade development, deepen financial and investment cooperation, expand cooperation on interconnectivity, and boost closer people-to-people exchanges in the next stage, Xi said.

China and Tajikistan should continue to fight the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as combat transnational organized crime, he said.

Xi also said the two friendly neighbors have treated each other with sincerity for a long time and have carried out fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation.

According to Xi, while China and Tajikistan are both in the crucial stage of realizing national development and rejuvenation, the two countries should help and support each other to jointly address challenges and realize common development.

The two countries should constantly deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership and enable the bilateral friendship to benefit the peoples of China and Tajikistan in a broader way, he said.

Xi also said China supports Tajikistan in taking over the presidency of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, and is willing to assist in preparing for the CICA summit.

Rahmon said his country treasures its traditional friendship with China, and spoke highly of China's long-term support for Tajikistan's economic and social development.

He said Tajikistan firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and is committed to fighting the "three evil forces" and promoting bilateral cooperation in all areas and deeper coordination in regional affairs.