Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin held a press conference in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe on Sunday, pledging to expand bilateral cooperation in various areas.
Wang, also member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, arrived in Tajikistan on Saturday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Muhriddin.
During the conference, Wang highlighted agriculture, transportation, communication, and aviation as pivotal sectors poised for cooperation and development, while also underscoring the importance of enhancing security cooperation.
"We must unswervingly safeguard regional security and stability. This is the common responsibility of both countries and is in the common interests of both countries. We will further deepen anti-terrorism cooperation," said Wang.
On the same occasion, both officials emphasized construction and infrastructure as key sectors for collaboration, and Muhriddin outlined specific projects they are planning to undertake together.
"We noted the huge potential for interaction in developing transport cooperation with China, particularly in the implementation of projects for the reconstruction of the Kulma-Karasu checkpoint and the construction of the second phase of the Dushanbe-Kulma highway," Muhriddin said.
Prior to the event, the two ministers held a talk to discuss strategies to strengthen bilateral ties.
Wang noted the two countries would expand cultural exchanges with the establishment of new centers. Wang added that China, already hosting over 5,000 Tajik students, is ready to welcome more young people interested in studying in China.
The Program of Cooperation between the Chinese and Tajik Ministries of Foreign Affairs for 2025-2026 was signed.
Wang's next stop in Central Asia will be Kazakhstan, where he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting.
Chinese, Tajik FMs pledge to strengthen bilateral cooperation
Chinese, Tajik FMs pledge to strengthen bilateral cooperation
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
