Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday hailed the progress in the building of a China-Tajikistan community of common development and security over the past four years as "encouraging."

During talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Xi'an, in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Xi said that since China and Tajikistan established diplomatic ties, the bilateral relationship has grown from one of good-neighborliness to a strategic partnership and then to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Expressing his pleasure at meeting with his old friend in Xi'an, Xi warmly welcomed Rahmon to China for the summit and the state visit. He recalled his state visit to Tajikistan in 2019, during which they jointly announced the building of a China-Tajikistan community of common development and security, which has seen encouraging progress over the past four years.

Xi underscored that China-Tajikistan relations enjoy deep historical roots, a solid political foundation, substantive cooperation and extensive public support.

To ensure a bright future for the two peoples, China is ready to work with Tajikistan under the new circumstances to enhance cooperation in various areas and build a China-Tajikistan community with a shared future featuring everlasting friendship, solidarity and mutual benefit, Xi said.

He called on both sides to deepen all-round strategic cooperation and firmly support each other on issues concerning their core interests, including national sovereignty, independence, security and territorial integrity.

Xi also called for deepening China-Tajikistan cooperation in economy and trade, connectivity, agriculture and major projects, adding that China is ready to import more quality agricultural products from Tajikistan.

China stands ready to work with the Tajik side to strengthen law enforcement and security cooperation to safeguard the common security of the two countries and the region, Xi said.

He said he is convinced that, with the concerted efforts of all parties, the China-Central Asia Summit will open a new chapter for China-Central Asia cooperation.

Hailing Tajikistan-China relations as an example of good neighborliness and sincere cooperation between countries, Rahmon said Tajikistan supports the China-proposed Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

After the talks, the two heads of state signed a joint statement and witnessed the signing of a raft of bilateral documents on cooperation in areas including economy, trade, connectivity, technology and sub-national exchanges.

(With input from Xinhua)