DUSHANBE, 03.02.2022 (NIAT Khovar) — The holding of the Summer and Winter Olympic Games in the city of Beijing is a reflection of the impressive successes achieved by the Chinese people, another demonstration of the might of our great neighbor. This also applies to the highest sports achievements of Chinese athletes in international competitions. This was stated by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, answering questions from representatives of China’s official media, including Xinhua, CCTV, China News Service, Renmin Ribao on the eve of the opening of the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing.

Khovar offers readers the full text of the interview of President Emomali Rahmon to the official Chinese media:

What are your expectations for the upcoming Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and do you think the sporting event will be successful?

The Beijing Winter Olympics is not only the largest and most unique of the last four years, but also one of the most spectacular winter sporting events.

The organizers of the have done everything for the participants of this grandiose sporting event in terms of preparations of sports facilities, living conditions and ensuring their safety.

Beijing will be the first city to host both summer and winter Olympic Games. What are your impressions and memories of the capital of the People’s Republic of China?

Beijing’s hosting of both the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics reflects the impressive achievement by the Chinese people and showcases the strength of our great neighbor. This also applies to the highest sports achievements of Chinese athletes in international competitions.

I remember with great interest my participation in the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games wherein prevailed a festive atmosphere and which left an indelible impression on me.

As the leader of Tajikistan, I visited Beijing multiple times since I first went there in March 1993, and each time I was amazed by the profound changes of the city’s landscape which harmoniously combines majestic ancient buildings with the modern architectural style.

The achievements of Beijing in its development as a metropolis, without exaggeration, are impressive in their scale, and we know that they are the result of the titanic work of the entire Chinese people and the leadership of the country in the name of the consistent implementation of the state course aimed at reform and modernization.

I am very glad to come to Beijing again at the invitation of my friend Mr. Xi Jinping.

This year, China and Tajikistan celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. How do you assess the development of Chinese-Tajik relations today?

Over the past three decades, due to our joint effort, bilateral relations have been steadily developing and the Chinese-Tajik comprehensive strategic partnership has been forged.

During this period, we have been able to address large-scale issues and improve the quality of bilateral cooperation.

Regular and reliable political dialogue has been established between our countries, which determines the direction and process of development of the whole complex of Tajik-Chinese relations.

We have achieved high results in trade, economy and investment. A number of important infrastructure projects have been jointly implemented in the transport, energy and industry sectors, and China is one of Tajikistan’s major trade and economic partners.

The issues of promoting cultural and humanitarian relations also have an important place in our relations. At the same time, special attention is paid to the development of educational and people-to-people ties, which are important factors in bringing our people closer.

Tajikistan is among the first group of countries to support the initiative of President Xi Jinping on the Silk Road Economic Belt cooperation, a component of the landmark Belt and Road Initiative. We also see significant potential in China’s new global development initiative. Contacts between cities and regions, as well as scientific and educational institutions are growing stronger and expanding.

In the forthcoming fourth decade of interstate relations, Tajikistan is firmly committed to developing a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, enriching it with new content and significant practical deeds in the interests of our two nations.

How can you characterize your personal relationship with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China?

Friendly, sincere, frank and trusting relationship has developed between me and my friend Mr. Xi Jinping. We have established constructive communication and regular dialogue aimed at strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between Tajikistan and China.

We regularly discuss issues on boosting regional security, expanding trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, strengthening the transport connectivity, as well as other important aspects of bilateral cooperation.

In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the people of the People’s Republic of China with the Spring Festival, the traditional Chinese New Year, and wish the friendly Chinese people well-being and further prosperity, and wish Beijing great success in hosting the Olympic Winter Games.

Thank you for the interview.