The state visit to Dushanbe by Chinese President Xi Jinping will inject strong impetus to the all-dimensional development of bilateral ties, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said on September 13.
"China is not only our great neighbour, but also a strategic partner," Rahmon said in a joint interview with Chinese journalists. "We have been expanding cooperation in various spheres throughout the years, and I'm more than satisfied with the stable development of the bilateral relations," he said.
Rahmon hailed bilateral cooperation in cracking down on the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism, as well as in curbing drug trafficking and transnational organised crimes.
He also lauded people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, saying more than 2,000 Tajiks are studying in China. "Young people from both countries are eager to familiarise themselves with each other's culture, history, customs and language, which is pleasant," he added. The president recalled that Tajikistan and China signed a number of important agreements last year, including one for the creation of a strategic partnership between the two countries.
According to Rahmon, China is among the first countries that recognised Tajikistan's independence and has offered substantial political and economic aid ever since. In particular, he expressed gratitude for China's assistance under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, in building a power grid and upgrading a major road linking Dushanbe and the northwest city of Khujand. In both cases, China's help contributes to Tajikistan's national integrity, he said.
Noting the bilateral trade volume has exceeded $2bn, he said the two sides plan to sign a China-to-Tajikistan direct investment deal worth $5bn, which could create tens of thousands of jobs for Tajiks.
(Xinhua)