The second Think Tank Forum of «China — Central Asia» (C+C5) was held in Beijing with leading Chinese and Central Asian scholars exchanging their insights to set a course for a «New Path to Common Development».
Tajikistan was represented by the Deputy Director of the Center for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Parviz Muhammadzoda. The Forum was organized by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and Think Tank Centers of Central Asian nations.
Also taking part in the Forum were the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi, President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Shi Taifeng, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Zhang Ming, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to the People’s Republic of China Zohir Saidzoda as well as Central Asian nations’ ambassadors and heads of Think Tank Centers.
It should be worth noting that the Forum brought together more than 100 experts and media representatives.
In his address via video link, Parviz Muhammadzoda noted that international terrorism and extremism, illegal drug trafficking, which are on the rise, holding such forums is necessary to protect the stability, security and sustainable development of not only the countries of the region, but also the whole society of the world. It was mentioned that Tajikistan implements practical measures to protect regional stability, ensure stable development and strengthen beneficial diplomatic relations with all countries, including the People’s Republic of China and Central Asian nations.
He called that Tajikistan considers the «Central Asia and the People’s Republic of China» mechanism is one of the important examples of regional cooperation and new opportunities for the general development, prosperity and stability of all the countries of Central Asia and China.
Cooperation within the «China + Central Asia» mechanism is formed on the basis of mutual respect and a common vision of global processes, including the issue of regional security, summit talks, development of a single path to ensure common development.
It is clear that without protecting the stability of Central Asia, without socio-economic development of the countries of the region and without joint integration, it is very difficult to ensure regional security. In this process, to strengthen cooperation in the field of energy, industry, and to activate new transport corridors were noted as vital.
Tajikistan is also a supporter of strengthening cooperation in the direction of using «green energy», digital transformation in finance, the development of artificial intelligence and reducing the level of poverty based on the experience of China.
Mohammadzoda once again mentioned the complexity of the political situation in the world, especially in the Central Asian region, and assessed the importance of strengthening cooperation and promotion of common goals.
The second Think Tank Forum of «China — Central Asia» (C+C5) took place in the margins of the 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries of Central Asia and China.
During the 30 years of diplomatic relations, the cooperation between the Central Asian states has developed and reached the level of strategic partnership. On January 25, 2022, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Central Asian nation, a summit of the leaders of Central Asian countries and China was held. At the end of the summit, the joint statement of the leaders of Central Asian countries and China was adopted.