China, Tajikistan agree to deepen ties for common prosperity

DUSHANBE - Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon held talks in Dushanbe Saturday, agreeing to further deepen the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership for common development and prosperity.

The two presidents praised the China-Tajikistan ties and cooperation in various fields, and together outlined a new blueprint for developing bilateral relations.

They agreed to commit their countries to developing all-weather friendship, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Xi congratulated Tajikistan for successfully hosting the fifth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), saying the consensus and results achieved at the event send positive messages and inject positive energy to the world.

He pledged continued support from China to Tajikistan, which holds CICA presidency now, to further lift the level of CICA cooperation.

China-Tajikistan relations have maintained sound development momentum since the two countries established diplomatic ties 27 years ago, Xi said, noting that they have become good neighbors, friends and partners and the bilateral relations are at their best 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 the top-level design of bilateral relations with the Tajik side, enhance the level of cooperation in various fields, and jointly build the China-Tajikistan development community and security community, he said.

Xi urged the two sides to continue staunchly supporting each other on issues concerning their respective core interests. He said Tajikistan has always actively supported and participated in the joint construction of the Belt and Road, and the two countries' cooperation within this framework is fruitful.

He asked the two sides to further synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with Tajikistan's national development strategy, tap potentials and raise the quality of cooperation, and deepen their cooperation in connectivity, energy, agriculture and industry.

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