Tajikistan, China to deepen comprehensive strategic partnership

Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon met with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 2nd Central Asia–China Summit in Astana. President Rahmon noted that Tajikistan places great importance on its "comprehensive strategic partnership" with China.

President Rahmon noted that Xi Jinping’s historic state visit to Tajikistan had opened new horizons for deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations, acoording to a statement released by president's press office on Tueasday. 

President Xi, recalling his visit to Tajikistan with satisfaction, expressed confidence that its outcomes would yield fruitful results for both sides. He praised Tajikistan's international initiatives on water and climate issues and congratulated President Rahmon on the successful hosting of the first International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation. Xi also reaffirmed China’s continued support for Tajikistan’s state development and sovereignty.

The two leaders discussed expanding trade, investment, and economic cooperation, especially in industry, energy, transport, communications, and agriculture. They welcomed growing regional cooperation and noted that China currently accounts for over 20% of Tajikistan’s foreign trade turnover.

Both sides showed interest in advancing Tajikistan’s agricultural sector through innovative technologies. It was highlighted that more than 700 Chinese-funded companies are operating in Tajikistan across various sectors.

The creation of joint industrial technology parks and research-based IT centers was identified as a key priority, alongside joint ventures for producing electric vehicles, solar panels, pharmaceuticals, and chemical products. The proposed establishment of a Tajik-Chinese leasing company was also considered a promising area of cooperation.

Education, healthcare, and cultural exchange were discussed, with emphasis on scholarship programs for Tajik students and stronger cultural ties. Both sides welcomed the upcoming Chinese Culture Days in Tajikistan and the launch of direct passenger flights between Dushanbe and Beijing.

Finally, the two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Central Asia–China Summit framework, including collaboration on regional security.

Following the meeting of the Heads of State of Tajikistan and China, a number of new cooperation documents were signed:

- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of the People's Republic of China on cooperation in the field of intellectual property;

- Program of trade and economic cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of the People's Republic of China for the period up to 2030;

- Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China on the establishment of a strategic dialogue mechanism at the level of foreign ministers;

- Memorandum of Understanding on strengthening cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence between the Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the State Development and Reform Committee of the People's Republic of China;

- Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Publishing House of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan "Narodnaya Gazeta" and the China Media Corporation;

- Agreement on the establishment of sister city relations between the Sughd Province of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Shaanxi Province of the People's Republic of China.

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