Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Monday that China is willing to expand cooperation with Tajikistan in emerging industries such as the digital economy and artificial intelligence.

Li, who is on an official visit to the Central Asian country, made the remarks during his meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe.

China cherishes its profound friendship with Tajikistan and will always view China-Tajikistan relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, Li said.

China stands ready to consolidate and deepen political mutual trust with Tajikistan, firmly support each other's core interests, continuously enhance the quality and effectiveness of cooperation, and continue to work hand in hand on the path toward modernization, he stressed.

Li noted that China is willing to expand bilateral trade with Tajikistan and strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, green minerals, connectivity and other fields to jointly build new drivers of economic growth.

Li also called for deepening cooperation in law enforcement and security with Tajikistan, saying that both sides should strengthen intelligence exchanges and information sharing, jointly combat the three forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and safeguard lasting peace and stability in the region.

During the talks, Li also expressed the hope that the Tajik side will continue to take strong measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel and enterprises in Tajikistan.

The Chinese premier is in the Central Asian country to attend the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

In talks with the Tajik president, he said China will fully support Tajikistan in successfully hosting the SCO meeting and stands ready to work with all parties to promote higher-quality development of the SCO.

China is also willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Tajikistan within the United Nations, the China-Central Asia mechanism and other multilateral frameworks, actively implement the four global initiatives, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, he said.

(With input from Xinhua)