U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States and Venezuela have reached an oil agreement.
"The United States of America has just entered into an Agreement with the Country of Venezuela on, THE BIGGEST OIL DEAL IN WORLD HISTORY!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
The United States, through a partnership with private business, has secured "majority U.S. control of more than 65 BILLION BARRELS of proven Oil Reserves in Venezuela, at no cost to the American Taxpayer," Trump said.
The deal "MORE THAN DOUBLES American Oil Reserves, greatly increases our Oil Supply, and will substantially lower Gas Prices for all Americans, long into the future," Trump claimed.
However, Trump did not provide details of the agreement, and the White House has not issued an official statement confirming the terms.
Bloomberg reported on the same day that the United States would obtain majority control of vast Venezuelan oil resources through an "unprecedented maneuver," one that could be vulnerable to legal challenges and exposed to political shifts in both the United States and Venezuela.
U.S. oil prices have risen sharply since the war in Iran erupted in late February, triggering inflation concerns.
Venezuela has the world's largest proven oil reserves.
U.S. reaches agreement with Venezuela on 'biggest oil deal in world history': Trump
Within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, China and Tajikistan have actively expanded medical cooperation and exchanges, bringing tangible benefits to the Tajik people through equipment donations, medical assistance and doctor training programs.
As part of China's "Health Silk Road" initiative and other cooperation mechanisms, China has donated 20 units of pharmaceutical production equipment to Tajikistan, filling gaps in the local pharmaceutical sector. Dozens of Tajik children with congenital heart disease have also undergone successful surgical treatment in China.
Another cooperation project featuring Chinese characteristics is operation of the China-Tajikistan Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Center. Operational since 2023, the center has integrated TCM diagnosis and treatment into the local healthcare system and have served thousands of local patients.
Among the experts practicing at the center is TCM physiotherapist Islom Sokiev, who has completed eight years of study in China through scholarship programs and is now a senior acupuncture practitioner in Tajikistan.
"People know about (the center) through word of mouth. Those who came to see me, the patients who recovered are spreading the word to their relatives and loved ones," he said.
A key outcome is a blindness prevention center in Tajikistan under China's Lifeline Express project, the country's first ophthalmology specialty medical institution, equipped entirely with advanced diagnostic devices from China.
"I have been using this diagnostic device for a year now. For example, it has been very helpful for us in calculating measurements during cataract surgery. It has many more features than the older models," said Gavkhar Khusaynova, an ophthalmologist at the center.
"This is a huge help. There is other equipment, too. It has significantly improved everything. And we are very pleased with this collaboration. It is really great," said Alexander Enikeev, head of the Second Surgical Department at the center.
The center has also become a platform for ophthalmology exchanges, offering local doctors opportunities to receive training at top-notch eye hospitals in China. Returning doctors are now sharing their experience with colleagues nationwide.
Patients said local medical services have improved markedly as a result of the bilateral cooperation.
"A few years ago, the level of comfort here was very, very low, and the line was long. Now it only takes about five minutes to go through the whole process," a patient said.
"We are grateful. We really appreciate that they are helping us with this kind of technology and equipment," another said.
"We greatly appreciate the support provided by our colleagues in the Chinese healthcare system to Tajikistan's healthcare system. For us, China is not only a strategic partner but also a true friend," Tajik Minister of Health and Social Protection Jamoliddin Abdullozoda said in praising the partnership.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The 2026 SCO Summit will be held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, from August 31 to September 1.
China-Tajikistan health cooperation within SCO framework yields tangible benefits
