DUSHANBE, July 26, 2008, Asia-Plus — State and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and China were major topic of a meeting of President Emomali Rahmon with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Dushanbe on July 26.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with President Rahmon, Mr. Yang said that during the meeting they had agreed that cooperation between the two countries is developing stably.
“The headstone for development of bilateral relations is an agreement on neighborliness, friendship and cooperation signed during President Rahmon’s state visit to China,” said the Chinese minister, “Our states have reached a high level of confidence and our leaders are meeting frequently.”
On the economic cooperation between the two countries, Yang Jiechi noted that a number of joint projects are being implemented in the fields of transportation and telecommunications.
He also pointed out importance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation and interaction in tackling international and regional problems.
“During the meeting, I stated that the Chinese government and people appreciate Tajikistan’s approach in principle and adherence to one-China policy and we highly appraise your country’s realization of and support for Taiwanese, Tibetan and other issues, causing concern of our country,” said Yang. “For our part, we clearly stated that we will support your country on its way to development in accordance with historic experience and national features.”
He stressed that China is looking forward to participation of the Tajik president at a ceremony of opening of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
He also stressed significance of the upcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) due in Dushanbe on August 28.
We will recall that an official visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi to Tajikistan started on July 26. Yang is also scheduled to hold talks with his Tajik counterpart Hamrokhon Zarifi, Chairman of the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament) Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev and Prime Minster Oqil Oqilov. A number of bilateral documents are expected to be singed during Chinese foreign minister’s official visit.
During the visit, the Chinese minister will also discuss preparations for the upcoming official visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao before the SCO summit.
