China and Tajikistan agreed in Shanghai on Sunday to intensify cooperation in fighting the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism.

 

The two countries will continue their joint crackdown on drug trafficking, according to a consensus reached between Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his Tajik counterpart Talbak Nazarov.

 

The two ministries will also strengthen consultation and cooperation in demarcation along the China-Tajikistan border, said a press release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

 

Nazarov is in Shanghai for a foreign ministers' meeting of the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which is scheduled on Monday.

 

During their hour-long talks, Li and Nazarov also agreed to enhance exchange and coordination between the two countries to ensure the SCO summit, slated for mid-June in Shanghai, would be a success.

 

They promised to make join efforts to boost the development of the SCO so that it can play a greater role in maintaining regional peace and stability and strengthening cooperation among SCO member states for common development.

 

Both ministers expressed satisfaction at the fruitful cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, trade and cultural fields over the past years.

 

They also exchanged views on the regional situation and the reform of the United Nations.

 

After their talks, the two foreign ministers signed the 2006-2007 cooperation plan between the two ministries, but details of the plan are not available.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2006)