DUSHANBE. June 10. “Asia-Plus” -- Yesterday Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, who is currently on his official visit to Tashkent where he will take part in the summit of heads of SCO member states, met with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao.

The sides have discussed issues of bilateral and multilateral Tajik-Chinese relations, Tajik President’s press service reports.

“Tajik President said that China is Tajikistan’s strategic partner and we are interested in further development and strengthening of our relations. On his turn, Chinese President Hu Jintao said China is ready to strengthen relations with Tajikistan and expressed his support to strengthening of independence and economic development of Tajikistan,” the source reported.

Tajikistan President also expressed his satisfaction over successful implementation of economic and infrastructural projects, which have significant importance for Tajikistan, and highly evaluated the quality and speed of work of Chinese companies involved in construction of roads, bridges, electric power lines, tunnels and mining enterprises in Tajikistan, press service has said.

“The sides have outlined that even despite the global economic crisis, trade turnover between Tajikistan and China has increased up to $1,5b,” the source said.

China’s leader assured his Tajik colleague that China will continue to provide comprehensive assistance to Tajikistan for strengthening of its national economy. “It has been stressed that the issue of allocation of preferential credits to Tajikistan from SCO credit fund, which has $10b at its account, is being discussed these days. Chinese President also said that the government of China will allocate 80m yuans (6,7 yuans = one USD) to support Tajikistan’s economy and extra 5m yuans to eliminate consequences of this year’s disasters,” the source said.

The sides have also confirmed their intention to cooperate on the all-year-round functioning of Qulma-Karasu customs crossing at Tajik-Chinese border.