On May 12, during his state visit to the People’s Republic of China, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, visited Peking University and addressed the faculty and students.

The Head of State, Emomali Rahmon, was warmly welcomed by the university’s board.

At the beginning of his opening speech, University Rector Gong Qihuang presented the decision of the Scientific Council to award the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, the title of Honorary Professor of this center of science and education.

By decision of the Scientific and Educational Council of Peking University, for his valuable contribution to strengthening friendly and cooperative relations between Tajikistan and China, developing and expanding scientific, humanitarian, and cultural ties, and particularly global initiatives in the fields of water and climate, the Head of State, Emomali Rahmon, was ceremoniously presented with a certificate of honorary professor and a bronze plaque with his academic degree.

The Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon, addressed the teachers and students, first thanking the university’s administration and Academic Council for their attention and the honor bestowed upon him.

The President noted the university’s achievements in education and science, emphasizing that students from over 100 countries study at this educational institution. He also noted that 50 Tajik citizens have successfully graduated from the university to date, and another six are continuing their studies in various fields on Chinese government scholarships.

It was emphasized that the friendly and neighborly relations between the peoples of Tajikistan and China date back to the time of the Great Silk Road. In this regard, he mentioned ancient Sogdian manuscripts discovered in 1907 in one of the towers of the Great Wall of China, which contain valuable historical information.

It was noted that these historical finds are known in scientific and academic circles as «Ancient Letters.» Evidence of cultural exchange between the Tajik and Chinese peoples has been preserved in both countries, along the entire length of the Great Silk Road.

The Head of State, Emomali Rahmon, pointed out that over the 35 years of state independence, Tajikistan has consistently pursued a balanced, peaceful, and constructive foreign policy based on the principle of «open doors.»

It was highlighted that Tajikistan has established strong diplomatic relations with 186 countries worldwide, among which our close and reliable neighbor, the People’s Republic of China, occupies a special place.

Emomali Rahmon noted that relations between Tajikistan and China, having developed steadily from the outset, have now reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

These relations encompass close cooperation in political and security matters, trade, economics, culture, humanitarian affairs, and other areas of mutual interest.

The Leader of the Nation also stressed the special importance of science and education in the current context.

It was noted that issues of science, education, and human development, given the age composition of the country’s population, have been identified as one of the priority areas of our state’s domestic policy.

In his speech, the Head of State also spoke about Tajikistan’s international scientific, educational, and cultural ties, noting their important role in strengthening friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation between peoples.

It was noted that in this process, Tajikistan consistently places special emphasis on expanding cooperation with friendly China in the areas of higher education, technology, innovation, and academic exchange, considering these areas among the priorities in the relations between the two countries.

The President stated that currently, approximately 40,000 Tajik citizens are pursuing higher education in 47 countries, of which approximately 6,000 are studying in the People’s Republic of China. Over the years of independence, more than 10,000 Tajik citizens have graduated from higher education institutions in China. The growing interest of Tajik youth in pursuing education in China was emphasized, particularly in fields such as science, engineering, information technology, digital economics, and artificial intelligence.

It was underlined that Tajikistan also places significant emphasis on the study of the Chinese language and culture.

Confucius Centers at Tajik universities make a significant contribution to the teaching of the Chinese language and culture. It was announced that during the current visit, the relevant ministries of the two countries will sign a document establishing another Confucius Center in Tajikistan.

It was also noted that 10 higher professional educational institutions in Tajikistan are currently members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s university network, and 13 universities in the country offer courses in Chinese.

The Head of State, Emomali Rahmon, noted that cooperation between Tajikistan and China in science, education, and culture could gain new meaning through joint research in geology, climate change, glacier conservation, water resources, history, archeology, and cultural heritage.

Emomali Rahmon also spoke about the translation and publication of scientific and cultural works as an important means of bringing peoples closer together, citing the translation into Chinese of the work «Tajiks: Antique, Ancient, and Medieval History» by the prominent Tajik scholar and academician Bobojon Gafurov as a prime example.

The study of ancient Chinese sources on the history of the Tajiks was identified as another promising area of fruitful cooperation between scholars from the two countries. It was emphasized that such scientific initiatives contribute to enriching centuries-old spiritual and intellectual ties between peoples with contemporary content.

In conclusion, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, noted that expanding cooperation in science, education, and culture creates a solid foundation for training a new generation of competitive specialists in the modern world.