The Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon held talks with Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Li Keqiang, who is in Tajikistan on an official visit to attend Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

The President of our country, Emomali Rahmon, welcomed Li Keqiang here in Tajikistan and stressed that Tajikistan attaches great importance to Tajikistan-China ties, and is ready to deepen comprehensive strategic partnership.

Emomali Rahmon expressed his gratitude to China for its support and assistance in Tajikistan’s sustainable socio-economic development. It was noted that China is ready to better dovetail its “One Belt, One Road” initiative with Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy for the period up to 2030.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on boosting of trade turnover, realization of socio-economic projects, attracting China’s investments on the following fields: mining, transportation, energy, agriculture.

It was emphasized that Tajikistan is interested in using opportunities of the Silk Road Fund and establishing the Tajikistan-China Investment Fund for development of the productive sphere and small and medium-sized enterprises, and tourism in the country.

Given the huge hydropower potential of Tajikistan, it was proposed to establish a Joint Commission on the development of cooperation in the field of energy.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to expansion of cooperation in transportation; increase of supplies of environmentally healthy fruit and vegetables to the Chinese market; attracting investment for the tourism industry as well as broadening people-to-people exchanges.

Chinese side’s initiative on providing impartial financial support for the construction of Tajikistan’s Parliament building and Government house was highly appreciated.

The two sides also discussed regional security issues.