Tajikistan interested in deepening relations with China in every format - Rahmon

DUSHANBE. Aug 1 (Interfax) - Tajikistan is interested in continuing to deepen the close multifaceted relations with China in every format, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said in a conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Rahmon underlined the dynamic development of the Tajik-Chinese relations of friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership in every area of cooperation and noted, "Tajikistan and China are close neighbors, so we are interested in further deepening of the close multifaceted relations between the two nations in every format," the Tajik presidential press service said in a statement.

China has a strong position of a major trade and investment partner of Tajikistan, the press service said.

"Statistical data indicate that the bilateral trade turnover grew almost 82% year-on-year over the first half of the year to more than 19% of the total amount of Tajikistan's foreign trade turnover," it said.

In that light, the sides discussed further development of trade, investments, industrial cooperation, green technologies and transport, including the beginning of Tajik exports, especially the exports of agricultural products, to China, the press service said, adding that China was thanked for supplying additional doses of a coronavirus vaccine.

While discussing cooperation in international and regional organizations, the sides highlighted the interaction in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), including the agenda of the SCO summit to be held in Samarkand in September. They also addressed further joint efforts to contain terrorism, extremism, separatism, transborder organized crime, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, and other security threats.

While discussing topical items on the regional agenda, the sides exchanged views on the current situation in Afghanistan and the prospect of its development.

Member of the State Council of China, Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Dushanbe on an official visit on Sunday evening.

Rustami Emomali, speaker of the upper house of the Tajik parliament and chairman of the Dushanbe city administration, will meet with Wang during his visit.