Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Dushanbe on Thursday night,
starting his two-day official visit to Tajikistan and to attend the
fifth Meeting of Prime Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO).
In a written statement delivered at the airport, the Chinese
premier said that ties between China and Tajikistan have maintained
healthy and smooth development since the two countries forged
diplomatic relations 14 years ago.
He said that the two countries have supported each other on
major issues and cooperate with each other on international and
regional affairs.
Wen's visit to Tajikistan, the first of its kind in 14 years,
will exert significant impact on the neighborly friendship between
the two countries, said officials with the Chinese delegation.
During the visit, Wen will hold talks with Tajikistan President
Emomali Rakhmonov and Prime Minister Akil Akilov on bilateral ties
and issues of common concern.
A series of cooperation documents will be signed during the
visit, Chinese official said.
In Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan, Wen will join leaders on
Friday from other SCO member nations -- Russia, Uzbekistan,
Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan in the fifth prime minister's
meeting of the regional group.
The meeting will focus on carrying out the consensus reached by
the heads of SCO members at the June summit in Shanghai.
(Xinhua News Agency September 15, 2006)
