Talks and pacts give push to Sino-Tajik teamwork

President Xi Jinping arrived in Beijing from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on Sunday after wrapping up his Central Asia trip.

On Saturday, Xi and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation documents covering such areas as infrastructure, agriculture, investment and anti-terror.

The two presidents also signed a joint statement to further deepen the China-Tajikistan comprehensive strategic partnership for common development and prosperity.

According to the statement, China and Tajikistan will continue to support each other on issues concerning their core interests, such as national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and to give priority to the development of bilateral ties.

The two countries pledged in the statement to advance the in-depth alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Tajikistan's national development strategy for the period up to 2030 with a view to building a China-Tajikistan community of development.

China-Tajikistan relations have maintained sound development momentum since the establishment of diplomatic ties 27 years ago, Xi said, adding that they have become good neighbors, friends and partners and bilateral relations are at their best level in history.

China is glad to see a stable, developing and prosperous Tajikistan, and firmly supports the country in following a development path that suits its own national conditions, and backs its efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty and security, Xi said.

China is willing to strengthen bilateral relations with Tajikistan, enhance levels of cooperation in various fields and jointly build the China-Tajikistan development and security community, the Chinese president said.

The two countries should further synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with Tajikistan's national development strategy, raise the quality of cooperation and deepen joint efforts in connectivity, energy, agriculture and industry, Xi said.

He pledged China's willingness to help Tajikistan upgrade its agricultural modernization, actively participate in Tajikistan's construction of free economic zones and have more exchanges in culture, education and tourism.

The two nations should deepen cooperation in combating the three evil forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as transnational organized crime, narcotics and cybersecurity, Xi said.

Saying that Tajikistan regards deepening its comprehensive strategic partnership with China as one of its diplomatic priorities, Rahmon thanked the Chinese side for its long-term support and assistance.

He expressed willingness to enhance bilateral cooperation in key projects in such fields as energy, petrochemicals, hydropower and infrastructure construction within the framework of the Belt and Road so as to help Tajikistan realize its industrialization goals.

Tajikistan is committed to working with China in combating terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as transnational crimes, strengthening law enforcement and security cooperation and increasing coordination in multilateral affairs, he said.

After their talks, the two heads of state attended a ceremony to unveil construction models of the parliament building and a government office building, with China providing assistance in both.

They were also briefed on the designs and cooperation details of the projects.

On Saturday, Xi also received the Order of the Crown, Tajikistan's highest decoration, from Rahmon, due to the Chinese president's positive contributions to bilateral ties. Xi said he attached great significance to the honor.