On July 26, 2008, Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon and Prime Minister Akil Akilov met respectively with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Dushanbe.

In his meeting with Rakhmon, Yang expressed his gratitude for Tajikistan's aid and support for China's earthquake relief.

Noting that Sino-Tajik relations have been developing rapidly and soundly in recent years, Yang said the political mutual trust is deepening and the two countries have supported each other on such major issues as national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. Pragmatic bilateral cooperation in all fields has yielded fruitful results, he added. During Rakhmon's visit to China last year, China and Tajikistan signed a treaty on good-neighborly friendship and cooperation, which would guide the future development of bilateral ties, the Chinese foreign minister said. China attaches great importance to ties with Tajikistan and deems it a good neighbor, friend and partner, he said, adding that China firmly supports Tajikistan to stick to the development path suitable to its national conditions.  China would like to work with Tajikistan to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, enhance cooperation and exchanges and contribute to maintaining regional stability and boosting common development, he said.

Rakhmon said China is a great neighbor of Tajikistan. Tajikistan highly evaluates relations with China and appreciates China's assistance to his country's economic and social development. Tajikistan would continue to develop cooperation with China in all fields under the guidance of the treaty on good-neighborly friendship and cooperation so as to elevate bilateral relations to a new high, he said.

Both sides also exchanged views on regional situations and the development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).  Rakhmon said the Tajik side is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China in the SCO and looks forward to President Hu Jintao's participation in the SCO Dushanbe Summit. Yang Jiechi said that the Chinese side will actively support and coordinate with the Tajik side in successfully holding the summit.

While meeting with Akilov, Yang discussed with him ways to further strengthen bilateral pragmatic cooperation. Yang Jiechi said the two countries' economic and trade cooperation is proceeding comprehensively. Yang said both sides should try to ensure the smooth implementation of major joint projects and explore other ways of cooperation that are compatible with market principles and conducive to economic growth of both countries. He also expressed the hope that Tajikistan will further improve its investment environment and create more favorable conditions for cooperation.

Akilov said Tajikistan expects to expand cooperation with China in such areas as power generation, transportation, mining and human resources and develop stronger economic links between the two countries' border regions. The Tajik side values the Chinese side's relevant proposal and is willing to take effective measures to provide support and convenience for Chinese enterprises' investments and cooperation in Tajikistan.