China, Tajikistan to enhance cooperation in security, law enforcement

China and Tajikistan, in a joint declaration issued here on Saturday, agreed to further strengthen cooperation and exchanges between law enforcement, security and defense authorities of the two countries. [Special coverage]

Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Tajik counterpart, Emomali Rahmon, signed the document on further developing and deepening China-Tajikistan strategic partnership after an in-depth exchange of opinions on bilateral, regional and global issues.

While reaffirming cooperation in cracking down on drug-trafficking and other transnational organized crimes, the two countries also vowed to jointly combat the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, which, they believe, continue to pose serious threats to the region's security and stability.

The two countries, the document said, support the efforts of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the fight against the "three evil forces."

The two sides agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation to bolster cyber security so that their national security wouldn't be threatened by cyber crimes.

They also pledged to strengthen cooperation in ensuring security of large-scale joint projects and major international events held in both countries, including jointly safeguarding the construction and operation of the Tajikistan segment of the Line D China-Central Asia natural gas pipeline.

The two countries will also boost exchange and cooperation in such fields as human resources training, technology and equipment, intelligence sharing and mutual-assistance in criminal investigation, as part of a joint response to the new threats and challenges to their development and security, the document said.

Reaffirming that a peaceful and stable Central Asia serves the common interests of all in the region, China and Tajikistan vowed to stand firm together against any attempt from external forces to interfere in the internal affairs of Central Asian countries and disrupt regional stability with any excuse and by any means.