On October 15, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met at the Great Hall of the People with Tajik Prime Minister Akil Akilov, who is here for the eighth prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states.

Wen said the Chinese government attached great importance to developing ties with Tajikistan and regarded it as a sincere friend and important partner in Central Asia. He said China was willing to work with Tajikistan to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and push forward bilateral ties. The Chinese government is ready to take joint efforts with Tajikistan to safeguard the regional peace and stability.

Wen said the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries maintained a sound momentum. He hoped that both sides would further tap complementary advantages, expand cooperation area, push for smooth implementation of cooperation projects and boost cooperation in agriculture, mineral exploitation and infrastructure construction. He urged both sides to create favorable conditions for trade and investment and advance practical cooperation in an all-round manner.

Akilov said the two countries were good friends, good neighbors and good partners. To further develop friendly relations with China was, is and will be a priority of Tajikistan's foreign relations. The Tajik side praised the support from the Chinese government for the country's core interests and national construction. He welcomed Chinese businesses to invest and develop in Tajikistan and enhance cooperation in such areas as hydropower, mineral resources and textile. Tajikistan hopes to continue expanding bilateral trade, advance key cooperation projects and push bilateral good-neighborly friendship for more practical results.