Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Tajikistan from July 4-6.
The Chinese president held talks with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, and the two leaders signed a Joint Statement on further deepening of comprehensive strategic relations in a new phase.
As reported by Xinhua, Xi said during the talks that China will firmly support Tajikistan in following a development path that suits its national conditions, and will firmly support the efforts of Tajikistan to safeguard its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Xi awarded the Friendship Medal, China’s highest state honor for foreigners, to Rahmon. It was the first time this prestigious award has been presented outside of China.
During their talks, Rahmon said Tajikistan is willing to take the implementation of the outcomes of Xi’s visit as an important opportunity to further promote Belt and Road cooperation, deepen cooperation in connectivity, agriculture, critical minerals, new energy and other fields, so as to accelerate the country’s industrialization and modernization.
Speaking to journalists following the talks, Xi said China is ready to import more quality products from Tajikistan and continuously upgrade the quality and scale of China-Tajikistan economic and trade cooperation.
Xi and Rahmon also attended the inauguration of new parliament and government buildings constructed with China’s support on the Rudaki Avenue in Dushanbe.
China has long been Tajikistan’s largest source of investment and major trading partner, with bilateral trade nearing $4 billion in 2023.
Photo: president.tj
