TASHKENT — Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in Tashkent on May 23 with his Tajik counterpart, Sirojidin Aslov, on relations between their two countries and other major issues of common concern.

During their talks, Wang said since China and Tajikistan established a strategic partnership in 2013, the two countries have cooperated smoothly in various areas and maintained close contacts over international and regional affairs.

China is willing to work with Tajikistan under the principles of extensive consultation, joint contributions and shared benefits in continuously deepening cooperation in the joint construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt, promoting interconnectivity and production capacity cooperation, and discussing the establishment of a free trade area, he said.

Wang suggested the two sides strengthen security cooperation and join forces in combating the “three evil forces” of terrorism, separatism and extremism.

He also voiced support for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)’s Tashkent summit so as to instill new momentum into the development of the SCO.

For his part, Aslov expressed appreciation for China’s long-term support for Tajikistan’s efforts in defending its sovereignty and independence, and stressed that the Tajik side will firmly adhere to the one-China policy.

Tajikistan, Aslov said, is willing to actively participate in the construction of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and strive for mutual benefit and win-win results between the two countries, adding that the Tajik side is ready to work closely with the Chinese side within the SCO framework.

Aslov voiced Tajikistan’s support for China’s stance on the South China Sea issue, and for efforts to resolve the Nansha Islands dispute through dialogue and negotiation by relevant parties, adding that external interference will not hinder relevant issues from being properly resolved.