Chinese Premier Meets Tajikistan Foreign MinisterChinese Premier Zhu Rongji said Thursday that China will always be a good neighbor, a good partner and a good friend of Tajikistan.In a meeting with Tajikistan Foreign Minister Talbak Nazarov, Zhu said China and Tajikistan have enjoyed traditional friendship ever since the period of the "Silk Road". Since the two countries established diplomatic relations, the bilateral relations have entered a new historical period, and the mutually-benificial cooperation has further developed, Zhu said. He said the two countries' high-level mutual visits in recent years have greatly pushed forward the bilateral ties. Zhu said the government of Tajikistan has always supported China on the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and anti-splittist activities, and China's efforts to oppose national separatism. The Chinese government will always support Tajikistan's efforts to consolidate its independence and to revitalize its national economy. Noting that the bilateral trade volume is still very small, Zhu said the two sides should make more efforts to upgrade trade and economic cooperation. Nazarov said he agreed with Zhu that the bilateral relations have developed rapidly since the establishment of diplomatic relations. He mentioned that, with China's help, Tajikistan has set up textile and cigarette factories. He thanked the Chinese government and people for their assistance. Nazarov said the two countries hold the same positions on a series of issues concerning regional security and the crack-down of splittist, terrorist and extremist forces. He said his country will resolutely support China's principled position on safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Tajikistan also supports China's complete reunification, Nazarov added. |
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