DUSHANBE, May 24, 2016, Asia-Plus – Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Aslov yesterday met in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers.
According to the Tajik MFA information department, the two discussed a broad range of issues related to state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral trade, energy, scientific and humanitarian cooperation between their countries.
Aslov and Wang reportedly also exchanged views on cooperation between Tajikistan and China within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Meanwhile, China’s
Xinhua
reports that Wang noted during the talks that China is willing to work with Tajikistan under the principles of extensive consultation, joint contributions and shared benefits in continuously deepening cooperation in the joint construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt, promoting interconnectivity and production capacity cooperation, and discussing the establishment of a free trade area.
Wang reportedly suggested the two sides strengthen security cooperation and join forces in combating the “three evil forces” of terrorism, separatism and extremism.
For his part, Aslov expressed appreciation for China”s long-term support for Tajikistan”s efforts in defending its sovereignty and independence, and stressed that the Tajik side will firmly adhere to the one-China policy.
Tajikistan, Aslov said, is willing to actively participate in the construction of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and strive for mutual benefit and win-win results between the two countries, adding that the Tajik side is ready to work closely with the Chinese side within the SCO framework.
Aslov voiced Tajikistan”s support for China”s stance on the South China Sea issue, and for efforts to resolve the Nansha Islands dispute through dialogue and negotiation by relevant parties, adding that external interference will not hinder relevant issues from being properly resolved,
Xinhua
reports.
