Blueprint envisions new heights in China-Tajikistan relations

President Xi Jinping holds talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon at the presidential palace in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan, on Friday. During their talks, China and Tajikistan elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era. (WANG ZHUANGFEI/CHINA DAILY)

President Xi Jinping and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon watch a grand ceremony hosted by Rahmon at Dushanbe International Airport in Tajikistan on Thursday night, after attending a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana, Kazakhstan. (YAN YAN/XINHUA)

Tajik youth in traditional attire dance to welcome the arrival of President Xi, who is on a state visit to Tajikistan, at Dushanbe International Airport on Thursday night. (WANG ZHUANGFEI/CHINA DAILY)

National flags of China and Tajikistan are seen outside the Tajik parliament building, which was built with assistance from China, in Dushanbe, on Thursday. (WANG ZHUANGFEI/CHINA DAILY)

President Xi Jinping stands with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, during a welcome ceremony held by Rahmon in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan, on Friday. (WANG ZHUANGFEI/CHINA DAILY)

A Kazakh Air Force jet is seen through an aircraft window on Thursday. Three Kazakh Air Force jets escorted President Xi's plane after it took off from Astana, capital of Kazakhstan. (JU PENG/XINHUA)