China-Tajikistan.jpg (Photo : Reuters)
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon were in talks on Friday to renew their commitment to common interests, including improving connectivity, building the Silk Road Economic Belt and thwarting terrorism.
Xi told Emomali, who is currently in Beijing, that China is offering support to Tajikistan's plant to turn itself into an economic and trade passageway between China and countries in Central Asia and the Gulf region, said China Daily.
"I'm willing to keep in close touch with you, make plans for cooperation between our countries and push for their realization," Xi told Rahmon.
Xi suggested that the two countries identify and try new models of cooperation in aspects such as energy, transportation and agriculture so as to raise the cooperation to a higher level.
In return, Rahmon assured Xi that his country is actively involved in the building of the Silk Road Economic Belt, and that it will expedite the construction of cross-border railways and other infrastructure projects.
The Tajik head of state also promised to work toward the completion of the Tajikistan section of Line-D of the China-Central Asia Gas Pipelines.
Xi's initiative to hold a dialogue on strengthening connectivity cooperation is auspicious given that Tajikistan's economic progress is bearing the brunt of its transportation problem, Rahmon said.
The said dialogue happened today and was attended by leaders from Bangladesh, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Pakistan.
Xi and Rahmon agreed to work together to fight the "three forces" called terrorism, separatism and extremism.
The two ended their meeting by signing the bilateral cooperation agreements.
