Xi: Boost ties with Poland, Tajikistan

China stands ready to work with Poland to advance bilateral ties in the new year and jointly enhance cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European countries as well as between China and the European Union to make greater achievements, President Xi Jinping said on Monday.

Xi made the remarks in a telephone conversation with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda. He also spoke by telephone on Monday with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

Noting that Poland is a major country in Central and Eastern Europe and also an important member of the EU, Xi underlined the need for China and Poland to strengthen strategic communication, deepen pragmatic cooperation and jointly deal with various risks and challenges.

China is willing to provide COVID-19 vaccines to Poland within its capabilities and in line with Poland's needs, Xi said.

Duda appreciated Xi's commitment to making Chinese-developed COVID-19 vaccines a global public good as well as the country's readiness to develop vaccine cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries, and said this shows that China is a responsible major country under the leadership of Xi.

While talking with Rahmon, Xi said both countries support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, and China supports Tajikistan in acting as the rotating president of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization this year.

Rahmon thanked China for its support for Tajikistan in the fight against the pandemic and said his country wants to expand cooperation with China in various fields.