Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Dushanbe on Thursday night, starting his two-day official visit to Tajikistan and to attend the fifth Meeting of Prime Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

 

In a written statement delivered at the airport, the Chinese premier said that ties between China and Tajikistan have maintained healthy and smooth development since the two countries forged diplomatic relations 14 years ago.

 

He said that the two countries have supported each other on major issues and cooperate with each other on international and regional affairs.

 

Wen's visit to Tajikistan, the first of its kind in 14 years, will exert significant impact on the neighborly friendship between the two countries, said officials with the Chinese delegation.

 

During the visit, Wen will hold talks with Tajikistan President Emomali Rakhmonov and Prime Minister Akil Akilov on bilateral ties and issues of common concern.

 

A series of cooperation documents will be signed during the visit, Chinese official said.

 

In Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan, Wen will join leaders on Friday from other SCO member nations -- Russia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan in the fifth prime minister's meeting of the regional group.

 

The meeting will focus on carrying out the consensus reached by the heads of SCO members at the June summit in Shanghai.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 15, 2006)