Tajik President Emomali Rahmon yesterday held talks in Beijing with leaders of a number of countries participating in the second Belt and Road Forum (BRF) to discuss cooperation, according to the Tajik president’s official website.   

During a meeting with Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan, Emomali Rahmon Tajikistan and China are sincere and reliable partners, and Tajikistan will work to continuously elevate the Tajikistan-China comprehensive strategic partnership to a new stage.

Wang, for his part, said China and Tajikistan have common interests in upholding national independence, defending national dignity, promoting economic growth and maintaining social stability, according to Xinhua.

Chinese Vice-President noted that the two countries have reached broad consensus in jointly building the Belt and Road.

Wang added that China stands ready to work with Tajikistan to implement consensus reached by the two heads of state and continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning respective core interests.

Tajik leader also met with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on the sidelines of the second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing.

They discussed state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Pakistan, according to the Tajik president’s press service.

The two sides reportedly expressed interest in implementation of cooperation documents signed between Tajikistan and Pakistan in the fields of economics, culture, education, health care, tourism, etc.

Pakistan’s The Nation notes that Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated the significance Pakistan attaches to closer ties and enhanced collaboration with Tajikistan in diverse fields.

Among other things, matters relating to connectivity as well as energy cooperation were discussed.

Both leaders reportedly exchanged views on political relations, high level exchanges, trade and economic interaction and regional situation.

They also reviewed the progress of CASA-1000 project and resolved to ensure its timely completion.

The two sides also agreed to intensify bilateral exchanges to further boost mutual collaboration in the field of energy and other areas.

President Rahmon’s meeting with Swiss Confederation President Ueli Maurer reportedly focused on issues of further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and Switzerland in sectors like trade, investment, science, culture, education and tourism.  They also discussed cooperation in implementing projects and launching joint ventures in Tajikistan, the Tajik president’s press service said.  

Rahmon reportedly invited Swiss President to pay an official visit to Tajikistan at any convenient time. 

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev discussed state ad prospects of further expansion of friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation between their countries in the fields of transportation, transit, agriculture, etc.  

On the sidelines of the second BRF, Tajik leader also held talks with Kyrgyz President Soornabay Jeenbekov.  The two sides reportedly discussed issues of cooperation between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan both in bilateral format and within frameworks of regional and international organizations.  Rahmon and Jeenbekov also exchanged views on issues related to increase in the bilateral trade between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and use of power resources, the Tajik president’s press service said. 

President Emomali Rahmon reportedly also met in Beijing with Mongolian President Battulga Khaltmaa and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Fuk w to discuss bilateral cooperation.