President Hu: We're ready to be a friend

President Hu Jintao told Tajik President Emomali Rakhmonov yesterday that China is ready to be Tajikistan's good neighbor, good friend and good partner.

The two presidents met on the eve of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

Hu hailed China-Tajikistan relations, saying that bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, transportation, telecommunication and business projects has yielded new results over the past year and the two countries have maintained coordination in regional and international affairs.

Hu expressed his appreciation of Tajikistan for the latter's support to China on the issues of Taiwan and the fight against 'East Turkistan' terrorist force.

He said China will also support Tajikistan's efforts in safeguarding domestic stability and boosting national development.

"China is ready to join hands with Tajikistan to push bilateral ties forward. China and Tajikistan will be good neighbors, good friends and good partners forever," Hu said.

This year marks the 14th anniversary of China-Tajikistan diplomatic ties.

Rakhmonov said the relations between Tajikistan and China have developed rapidly and the two are close neighbors, friends and reliable partners.

He said Tajikistan firmly abides by the one-China policy and supports China's efforts to realize national reunification.

On the upcoming SCO summit, Hu said he believes the meeting will enhance trust, consolidate unity and improve cooperation among SCO members.