DUSHANBE, 25.01.2022 (NIAT Khovar) – The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon adressed the first Central Asia – China Summit.

President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping chaired the videoconference meeting which was devoted to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and five Central Asian countries.

The discussion focused on the ties between Central Asian nations and China.

In his speech, President Rahmon commended the results of the last three decades in the development of relations between Tajikistan and China, which brought them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

At the same time, he noted the formation of a favorable legal base, the establishment of a permanent political dialogue in the spirit of trust, economic growth rate, including the implementation of major infrastructure projects as a significant result of this period.

President Rahmon stressed the interest of Tajikistan in continuing the constructive political dialogue between the two countries at the highest level and enriching the content of various aspects of the strategic partnership of the parties, both bilaterally and multilaterally, with new practical measures.

Trade, economy, investment, as well as industrial and agricultural spheres, green energy and green economy, and ensuring the unimpeded transportation of cargo, and the digital economy were noted as especially important areas of cooperation.

President Rahmon also called for the expansion of cooperation in the aforementioned areas within the Central Asia-China format with an emphasis to take additional measures to expand mutual trade and increase the volume of trade turnover, as well as to create a favorable environment for the active attraction of investments in the implementation of mutually beneficial regional economic projects, including within the framework of the One Belt and One Road initiative.

Active cooperation of the parties in the field of climate change mitigation was also noted as important.

They likewise noted the importance of concerted action in the field of health care, especially in order to continue mutually beneficial cooperation in the prevention and control of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, including within the framework of the World Health Organization.

During the discussion of regional and international issues, President Rahmon stressed the need to expand cooperation in the field of security, given the complex global and regional situation, as well as the existence of common threats and challenges.

Measures to fight against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and other forms of transnational organized crime were named among priority tasks.

The counterparts also discussed the difficult situation in Afghanistan. The interest of Tajikistan in establishing peace and stability in this country was again emphasized, as was the call for the United Nations to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.

President Rahmon noted that Tajikistan attaches great importance to the continuation of multilateral cooperation between the countries of the region, especially within the UN, SCO, CICA and other international and regional organizations. At the same time, the importance of further development of cooperation between the countries of the region within Central Asia and China format was stressed.