2023 seen as historic for Sino-Tajik ties

DUSHANBE — 2023 will be historic for the Tajikistan-China relationship, Guzel Maitdinova, director of the Center for Geopolitical Studies at the Russian-Tajik (Slavonic) University, told Xinhua in an interview ahead of the China-Central Asia Summit.

This year is important as it not only marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries but also the 10th anniversary of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, said Maitdinova.

She believes relations between both countries have flourished, and the partnership has bright prospects ahead.

The China-Central Asia Summit will take place in Xi'an, capital of North China's Shaanxi province, and Maitdinova believes it will be a significant event that will contribute to the development and modernization of Central Asian states.

Maitdinova noted that the summit will also promote the coupling of the BRI with the national development strategies of Central Asian countries.

She pointed out that security issues will also be critical at the upcoming summit, especially the Afghanistan issue, which would offer great contributions to regional peace and stability and have great significance for the overall development of Central Asian countries.

Mutual respect

When discussing the Tajikistan-China relationship, Maitdinova said the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership has been established on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

The two sides are committed to deeply integrating the BRI with Tajikistan's National Development Strategy, with a further aim to strengthen political, economic and trade, military and technological cooperation, as well as cooperation in other fields.

Maitdinova said the Tajikistan-China relationship is reaching a new level of strategic coordination, continuing to give impetus to cooperation in various fields such as politics, economy and culture.

She believes that the practical cooperation between Tajikistan and China has yielded remarkable results in recent years. A vast number of successful projects launched with China's support have had a positive impact on the Tajik people's livelihoods.

"Important projects have been implemented over the years that have contributed to Tajikistan's economic development," Maitdinova noted.

"About 50 joint investment projects are being implemented in Tajikistan," she said.

At the same time, increased people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries have also bolstered the bonds between the two peoples.

The scholar has high expectations for the future of the Tajikistan-China relationship.

"Within the framework of docking Tajikistan's national development strategy and the Belt and Road Initiative, the two countries have great potential in jointly developing the Green Silk Road," she said.

Xinhua