China, Tajikistan reach broad consensus on furthering bilateral cooperation

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-28 06:37

DUSHANBE -- China and Tajikistan have reached broad consensus on deepening bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, trade and their efforts to combat terrorism, according to a joint statement issued here Wednesday following a meeting between the presidents of both countries.

TO ENHANCE NEIGHBORLY COOPERATION

According to the statement, the two sides agreed that the Chinese-Tajik Good-Neighborly and Friendly Cooperation Treaty signed last year forged a solid legal basis for the development of bilateral ties.

Both sides spoke highly of the current development of bilateral ties and believed the rapid development of cooperation in various fields has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples.

They also made a commitment on furthering exchanges and cooperation between China's National People's Congress and the Tajik Parliament, as well as among special committees and friendly groups, in order to improve the legal basis for bilateral ties, consolidate traditional friendship and enhance understanding between the two peoples.

The two sides hailed the settlement of border issues and pledged to seek long-term peace. They also voiced mutual support for important issues concerning each others' sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement has Tajikistan reiterating its adherence to the one-China policy, saying Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

The two sides held the point that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has developed smoothly and become an important platform for member states to deepen neighborly ties on the basis of mutual trust and benefit.

Central Asian countries have unique traditions in history and culture, and the international community should respect the countries' own development paths, the statement said.

The two sides pointed out that they have maintained the same or similar stances on a series of major international or regional issues, and will strengthen cooperation under the framework of the United Nations and other international organizations.

TO BOOST ECONOMIC TIES

China and Tajikistan agreed that bilateral economic and trade cooperation bears special significance for the all-round development of bilateral ties.

They agreed to intensify the work of the inter-governmental trade commissions, improve investment environment and further optimize the structure of bilateral trade.

China and Tajikistan will also expand cooperation in transportation, telecommunications, mineral exploration and processing, as well as agriculture and infrastructure, the statement said.

The two sides will tap cooperation potential in road transportation and cross-border transportation, and boost pragmatic cooperation in border areas by adopting policies encouraging trade.

The two neighbors will also create favorable conditions for each other to carry out investment, trade, and technical and economic cooperation.

In addition, China and Tajikistan will step up efforts to broaden cooperation in education, culture, science and technology, media, tourism, sports, health and social security.

TO COMBAT TERRORISM, DRUG-RELATED CRIME

Both sides agreed that cracking down on the East Turkistan terrorists is a significant part of the international struggle against terrorism.

China and Tajikistan have signed the multilateral Shanghai Convention on Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism, and a convention on bilateral cooperation in combating the three forces.

Based on the conventions, the two countries will maintain close cooperation in security and take strong measures to jointly combat terrorism in various forms to protect regional peace and stability.

The two sides also pledged to fight against drug-related crime, saying such crimes have seriously affected national security and social stability of the countries in the region, the statement said.

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rakhmon met here Wednesday to discuss furthering bilateral ties. Hu arrived here on Tuesday for a state visit and the SCO summit slated for Thursday.