Tajik President Emomali Rahmon yesterday left for Beijing to attend the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, according to the Tajik president’s official website.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Head of the Committee for Youth and Sports Affairs, Presidential Aide on Economic Issues and some other officials are reportedly accompanying Rahmon on his visit to China
Xinhua says that Rahmon said in a group interview with Chinese media prior to his trip that he is happy that Beijing becomes the first city in the world to host both summer and winter Olympic Games, which reflects China's national strength and the remarkable achievements of the Chinese people.
The president reportedly said the organizers of the Games have done everything for the participants of this grandiose sporting event in terms of preparation of sports facilities, living conditions and ensuring their safety.
The Winter Olympics will undoubtedly become a unique, and also one of the most spectacular winter sports events in recent years, he added.
Recalling his attendance at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Rahmon said "I remember the festive atmosphere that prevailed in those days in Beijing, which left an indelible impression on me."
Rahmon said he is very glad to come to Beijing again at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. "Friendly, sincere, frank and trusting relations have developed between me and my friend Mr. Xi Jinping. We have established constructive communication and regular dialogue," he said.
Rahmon added that the two leaders regularly discuss issues on boosting regional security, expanding trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, strengthening transport connectivity, as well as other important aspects of bilateral cooperation.
Rahmon spoke highly of bilateral ties, as the two sides have recently marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.
Thanks to joint efforts, bilateral relations have been steadily developing and the China-Tajikistan comprehensive strategic partnership has been forged, he added.
The president reportedly said Tajikistan is among the first group of countries to support the Silk Road Economic Belt cooperation, a component of the landmark Belt and Road Initiative.
Rahmon said a number of important infrastructure projects have been jointly implemented in the transport and energy sectors, and China is among Tajikistan's major trade and economic partners.
Tajikistan will continue to work to enrich the bilateral ties and take actions to expand sectors of cooperation, he added, according to Xinhua.
Meanwhile, Tajik athletes will not participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics, which ae starting today.
According to the representative of the National Olympic Committee of Tajikistan (NOC), Tajik athletes were unable to take part in international competitions and training camps due to the coronavirus pandemic around the world.
