China to work with Tajikistan to tap cooperation potential: Premier Li

Chinese Premier Li Qiang stated on Tuesday that China is ready to collaborate with Tajikistan to enhance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. He emphasized the need to explore potential collaborations across various sectors and expand partnerships in emerging industries, aiming to drive common development forward.

Li made the remarks during his meeting with Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda on the sidelines of the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

He noted that China aims to align development strategies with Tajikistan, prioritizing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. This partnership will focus on enhancing bilateral ties in trade, investment, mining, and agriculture, as well as in emerging fields like new energy and the digital economy. Li also highlighted the importance of promoting connectivity and strengthening cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges to boost mutual development.

Additionally, Li expressed China's commitment to implementing the outcomes of the first China-Central Asia Summit, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and jointly pursuing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. He underscored the importance of advocating for a fair, orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization, as well as practicing true multilateralism to uphold international fairness and justice.

Rasulzoda congratulated China on its remarkable achievements over the past 75 years and expressed gratitude for its long-standing support of Tajikistan's development. He affirmed Tajikistan's willingness to collaborate closely with China to fully realize the important consensus reached by both heads of state. 

Rasulzoda highlighted the need to enhance exchanges at all levels and promote Belt and Road cooperation. He also mentioned deepening collaboration in trade, investment, e-commerce, energy, industry, transportation, and agriculture, as well as expanding efforts in emerging sectors like the digital and green economies. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges were also identified as key areas for further cooperation.

Rasulzoda reiterated Tajikistan's support for China's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, along with the three global initiatives proposed by China. He said Tajikistan expects to work with China to promote cooperation between Central Asian countries and China, deepen cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and the SCO, and jointly uphold regional and global peace, stability and development.

(With input from Xinhua)