DUSHANBE, Nov 23 (NNN-KNA) – Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, yesterday, called on China and Tajikistan to strive for new progress in the China-Tajikistan comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era, during his first strategic dialogue with Tajik Foreign Minister, Sirojiddin Muhriddin.
The two sides held in-depth discussions on implementing the consensus reached between the two heads of state, and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, reached a broad agreement and jointly launched the China-Tajikistan foreign ministers’ strategic dialogue mechanism.
Noting that China and Tajikistan are good friends and good partners, connected by mountains and rivers, Wang said that, under the strategic guidance of Chinese President, Xi Jinping and Tajik President, Emomali Rahmon, China-Tajikistan relations have continuously reached new heights.
The two heads of state met twice this year and made new plans for the development of bilateral relations, he noted.
Wang briefed Muhriddin on the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, noting that, the formulation and steady implementation of five-year plans are important experience of the CPC in state governance, and a major political advantage of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
No matter how the international situation evolves, China will remain Tajikistan’s trustworthy and reliable partner, said Wang, expressing appreciation for Tajikistan’s firm support on issues concerning China’s core interests, including the Taiwan question.
China will never allow right-wing forces in Japan to turn back the wheel of history, nor permit external forces to meddle in China’s Taiwan region or allow Japanese militarism to stage a comeback, said Wang, vowing that, China will work with all parties to uphold the international consensus on the one-China principle and jointly safeguard the hard-won outcomes of the victory of World War II.
Wang also urged the two sides to make full use of various platforms, including Confucius Institutes, Luban Workshops and others, and accelerate the establishment of cultural centres in each other’s country. The two sides should energise local cooperation, enhance sister-city exchanges, and pool more strength for deepening China-Tajikistan friendship, he said.
For his part, Muhriddin said, Tajikistan and China are friendly neighbours and sincere friends, as the bilateral relationship has always been grounded in mutual understanding, trust and support. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, Tajikistan-China relations have maintained sound momentum, seeing active cooperation across various areas, he said.
Muhriddin thanked China for its long-standing valuable support for Tajikistan’s development and said, his country is willing to work closely with China to fully implement the important consensus of the two heads of state, enhance exchanges at all levels, promote Belt and Road cooperation, deepen cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity and green minerals, and expand people-to-people exchanges to better benefit both peoples.
The two ministers also exchanged views on the Afghan issue. Wang said that, Afghanistan is a common neighbour of China and Tajikistan, and China is willing to continue to strengthen coordination with Tajikistan on the Afghan issue, with a view to promoting regional peace and stability and reconstruction in the country.
After the talks, the two sides issued the joint statement of the first China-Tajikistan foreign ministers’ strategic dialogue.– NNN-KNA
