On May 23, 2016, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who was attending the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tashkent, met with Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Aslov of Tajikistan.
Wang Yi expressed that since the establishment of China-Tajikistan strategic partnership in 2013, the two heads of state have held several meetings, and the two countries have smoothly carried out cooperation in various fields and maintained close communication in international and regional affairs. The co-construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt proposed by President Xi Jinping has obtained strong support from President Emomali Rahmon. The two countries have yielded a series of early harvest in such fields as infrastructure, electricity, agriculture and mineral exploitation. China is willing to observe the principle of wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefit, continuously deepen cooperation in co-building the Silk Road Economic Belt with Tajikistan, promote cooperation in connectivity and production capacity and discuss to build Free Trade Zone. The two countries should strengthen security cooperation and join efforts in combating the "three evil forces". China supports Tajikistan to ensure the success of the SCO Tashkent Summit so as to inject new impetus into the development of the SCO.
Sirojiddin Aslov expressed that China is a friendly neighboring country, reliable friend and cooperative partner of Tajikistan. Tajikistan is grateful for China's long-term support for Tajikistan in maintaining sovereignty and independence, and will firmly adhere to the One-China policy. Tajikistan is willing to actively participate in the construction of the "Belt and Road", so as to realize mutual benefit and win-win results between the two countries. The Tajik side is ready to maintain close coordination with the Chinese side within the SCO.
Sirojiddin Aslov said that Tajikistan backs China's stance on the South China Sea issue, and supports countries concerned to resolve disputes over the Nansha Islands through dialogue and negotiation. External interference will only hinder relevant issues from being reasonably resolved.