Reaping benefits

President Xi Jinping underlined on May 18 China’s readiness to import more high-quality agricultural produce from Tajikistan, saying that the two sides should align development strategies and promote the high-quality building of the Belt and Road.

In talks with visiting Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, Xi emphasized the need for both nations to deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation and extend staunch support to each other over issues concerning core interests such as sovereignty, independence, security and territorial integrity.

The Chinese president called on both sides to deepen cooperation on economy, trade, connectivity, agriculture and major projects, and conduct closer people-to-people exchanges.

China is willing to enhance law enforcement cooperation with the Tajik side to jointly safeguard the security of both nations and the region, he said.

Xi highlighted the need to promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative to jointly uphold the common interests of developing countries.

He expressed his belief that the ChinaCentral Asia Summit will yield fruitful outcomes and usher in a new era of cooperation between the two sides.

Rahmon, who was making a state visit to China, said that bilateral relations are built on a high level of mutual trust, respect and support.

He reiterated that his country adheres to the one-China principle, and remains committed to advancing the bilateral strategic partnership.

The two leaders signed a joint statement after their talks and witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements covering connectivity, science and technology and exchanges at local levels.

Before his trip to Xi’an, Rahmon held talks with Premier Li Qiang, Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and Vice-President Han Zheng in Beijing on May 17.