国内英语新闻：Tajik leaders meet Chinese FM on ties

DUSHANBE, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon and Prime Minister Akil Akilov on Saturday pledged to develop all-round cooperation with China while meeting separately with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

    In his meeting with Rakhmon, Yang expressed his gratitude for Tajikistan's aid and support for China's earthquake relief.

Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon (R) meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan, July 26, 2008. Yang attended the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Dushanbe on Friday.

Noting that Sino-Tajik relations have been developing rapidly and soundly in recent years, Yang said the political mutual trust is deepening and the two countries have supported each other on such major issues as national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. Pragmatic bilateral cooperation in all fields has yielded fruitful results, he added.

    During Rakhmon's visit to China last year, China and Tajikistan signed a treaty on good-neighborly friendship and cooperation, which would guide the future development of bilateral ties, the Chinese foreign minister said.

    China would like to work with Tajikistan to enhance cooperation and communication and contribute to maintaining regional stability and boosting common development, he said.

    Rakhmon said Tajikistan highly evaluates relations with China and appreciates China's support to his country's economic and social development.

    Tajikistan would continue to develop cooperation with China in all fields so as to elevate bilateral relations to a new high, he said.

Tajik Prime Minister Akil Akilov (L Front) meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan, July 26, 2008

Both sides also exchanged views on regional situations and the development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

    While meeting with Akilov, Yang discussed with him ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. Yang said both sides should try to ensure the smooth implementation of major joint projects and explore other ways of cooperation that are compatible with market principles and conducive to economic growth of both countries. He also expressed the hope that Tajikistan will further improve its investment environment and create more favorable conditions for cooperation.

    Akilov said Tajikistan expects to expand cooperation with China in such areas as power generation, transportation, mining and human resources and develop stronger economic links between the two countries' border regions. Akilov pledged his government's efforts to support and facilitate Chinese investment in the central Asian nation.