A new chapter in diplomatic relations has unfolded at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where Chinese President Xi Jinping and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon signed a landmark treaty designed to shape the bilateral relationship for generations to come.
The China-Tajikistan Treaty on Permanent Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation represents a significant elevation of ties. President Xi described the treaty as a testament to high-level political mutual trust, providing a solid foundation for an everlasting friendship between the two nations.
President Rahmon echoed these sentiments, stating that the agreement marks a new historical stage and opens vast prospects for long-term cooperation.
Diplomacy Rooted in Mutual Trust
This landmark agreement is the result of years of consistent head-of-state diplomacy. President Xi and President Rahmon have met nearly 20 times in recent years, steering the relationship through several key upgrades. This journey began with a strategic partnership in 2013 and evolved into a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2024.
The depth of this bond was further highlighted in July 2024, during President Xi's visit to Dushanbe, when he awarded President Rahmon the Friendship Medal—the highest state honor China bestows upon foreign nationals.
A Partnership for the Future
President Xi emphasized that steadfast mutual support remains the defining feature of the relationship. He noted that regardless of changes in the external environment, the Chinese mainland and Tajikistan will continue to be good neighbors, candid friends, and partners in joint development.
Central to this partnership is a shared commitment to each other's core interests. President Xi affirmed that China will consistently support Tajikistan in its pursuit of a development path suited to its own national conditions, while upholding its national independence, sovereignty, and security.
In return, President Rahmon reaffirmed Tajikistan's firm adherence to the one-China principle, recognizing that the Taiwan region is an inalienable part of China.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
