Tajikistan, China to boost defense, anti-terrorism co-op

DUSHANBE - Tajikistan and China on Monday agreed to enhance defense and security cooperation, and reinforce counter-terrorism collaboration.

In his meeting with a senior Chinese military official, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon said the two countries should work together to meet challenges as destabilizing factors in Afghanistan and the Central Asian region constitute a real threat.

Rahmon made the remarks here on Monday when he met Fang Fenghui, a member of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of the newly-established Joint Staff Department under the CMC.

Noting that Tajikistan attaches great importance to the development of the Tajikistan-China strategic partnership, Rahmon said his country greatly appreciates China's support and help, and he hopes the two sides can enhance cooperation in the defense and security field.

On his part, Fang spoke highly of the development of the bilateral strategic partnership jointly established and promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Rahmon.

Fang said the partnership offers direction for military cooperation between the two countries.

In order to deal with terrorism threat effectively and safeguard peace and stability in the region, Fang said, China is willing to further enhance military cooperation and multilateral counter-terrorism collaboration with Tajikistan.

Fang arrived at Dushanbe on Sunday at the invitation of Tajikistan Defense Minister Sherali Mirzo, and the two men held talks later in the day.