China,Tajikistan in fruitful cooperation on transport: minister

China and Tajikistan have achieved fruitful outcomes in bilateral cooperation on transportation and infrastructure, according to Tajik Transport Minister Azim Ibrohim.

In an interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN) prior to Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival in Dushanbe on Thursday to pay a state visit to Tajikistan, Ibrohim said that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the crossing called Kulma Karasu on the common border between China and Tajikistan -- a key infrastructure project built and operated in fruitful bilateral cooperation.

"Over the past three decades, Tajikistan has implemented many strategic plans with our neighbor China, particularly in relation to transport projects, which are very important. In 1996, an initiative was taken to open a temporary crossing called Kulma Karasu, and in 1997 the point of connection for this crossing was determined, and the construction of roads began. Finally, on May 25, 2004, this crossing was opened, and recently representatives from our two countries celebrated the 20th anniversary of this crossing," said Ibrohim.

Ibrohim said multinational frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have facilitated the advancement of transportation infrastructure in Tajikistan, and promoted regional integration.

"The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by [Chinese President] Xi Jinping, was supported by our president, and today, within the framework of this initiative, many works are being carried out in Tajikistan. For example, one of the multimodal routes from China through Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Europe is located on this route. And today we strive to meet international standards for this road," said the minister.

Ibrohim also said the cooperation of transportation infrastructure projects stimulated job creation and fostered economic growth in the regions.

"About 11 Chinese companies operate in Tajikistan, and if 10 to 15 percent of [the staff on] these projects are Chinese specialists, the remaining 80 to 85 to 90 percent are all local employees who receive good salaries. This, of course, ensures jobs and decent living conditions," he said.

Xi landed in Dushanbe after attending the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana, and a state visit to Kazakhstan.

China,Tajikistan in fruitful cooperation on transport: minister

China attaches great importance to the development of China-Singapore relations, and is willing to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, promote practical cooperation in various fields, and enhance people-to-people exchanges with Singapore, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when holding talks with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Beijing.

Noting that over the past year, under the strategic guidance of leaders of the two countries and joint efforts of both sides, the all-round high-quality and future-oriented partnership between China and Singapore has maintained a good momentum, Wang urged the two countries to continue to enhance strategic communication, increase mutual trust, jointly address the ever-emerging global challenges at present, and safeguard the overall situation of regional peace and stability.

Wang said that maintaining the security of global industrial and supply chains and the smooth flow of maritime navigation is in the common interests of the international community, and China is willing to continue to make efforts to this end.

Noting that Singapore is an important ASEAN member and will assume ASEAN's rotating presidency next year, Wang said China expects the Singaporean side to continue playing an active role in promoting China-ASEAN cooperation.

Balakrishnan said Singapore highly values its relations with China, adheres to the one-China policy, and firmly opposes "Taiwan independence."

Singapore is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, promote practical cooperation in various fields, carry out key cooperation projects of both sides, and promote regional connectivity, he said.

Singapore is ready to promote greater progress in ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership, support the Global Development Initiative, and uphold multilateralism and free trade, and is willing to work with China to make joint efforts in promoting world peace, development and prosperity, he added.

China ready to promote practical cooperation with Singapore: Chinese FM