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Premier Zhu Rongji on Friday said he is convinced that economic and trade cooperation between China and Tajikistan will be further developed with joint efforts of both sides in tapping their potential.
When meeting with Tajikistan President Emomali Sharipovich Rakhmonov, currently on a four-day working visit to China at the invitation of President Jiang Zemin, Zhu said his government has paid great heed to bilateral cooperation in all fields and encourages direct contacts between their related government departments and businesses to seek opportunities for cooperation.
The premier recalled that China and Tajikistan have made attempts and scored some achievements in co-production and running joint ventures.
Zhu spoke highly of the noticeable growth of Sino-Tajikstan neighborly relations which benefit both, and said the frequent exchange of visits at high levels and the mutual understanding and trust, as well as bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, communications and energy resources have been enhanced.
The two countries share similar or identical views on major international and regional issues, pointing to their close cooperation within the frameworks of the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which contribute positively to the regional security and stability and promoting common development.
President Rakhmonov said Tajikistan makes its relations with China a priority in its foreign policy. He congratulated China on its entry to the World Trade Organization and successful bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games as well as its steady rise in its international status and prestige.
Noting the tremendous potential for Tajikistan-China economic and trade cooperation, he noted that the signing of the related agreements on the use of energy resource during his visit signifies the new growth for bilateral cooperation.
The president said Tajikistan has attached great importance to China's active role in the United Nations and the SCO, and thanked China for its assistance to Tajikistan.
Zhu pledged that the Chinese side would continue to assist Tajikistan to the best of its ability.
The two sides also confer on Afghan issue and other regional and international issues.
(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2002)
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