Akilov made the remarks when he met the visiting vice-minister of the Chinese External Communications Department, Cai Wu, who led a Chinese delegation. In recent years, Sino-Tajiki relations have enjoyed rapid development, and the complete resolution to their border disputes had an important historical meaning, Akilov said.

Tadzhikistan and China had a common interest and consistent position in such issues as economic development, regional security and safeguarding stability. Tadzhikistan had great potential in the fields of energy resources, agriculture and mineral resources, and welcomed inspection and investment from Chinese enterprises, the prime minister added.

During the meeting, Cai Wu said the Chinese Communist Party and government consistently attached great importance to the development of Sino-Tajiki relations. China and Tadzhikistan understood and trusted each other in politics and abided by the principle of mutual-beneficial and mutual-help on an equal basis in the economic aspect. The two countries coordinated and cooperated with each other in international and regional affairs, and they are good neighbors and friends, Cai added.

The Chinese delegation arrived here on Wednesday for a two-day visit. Tajiki foreign minister Talbak Nazarov also met the delegation.

(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2002)