China, Tajikistan to boost gas project

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon have agreed to push forward with the construction of a joint gas pipeline project between the two countries.

Xi and Rakhmon met in the Kyrgyz capital city of Bishkek on Thursday to discuss regional matters including the acceleration of construction of Line D of the China-Central Asia gas pipeline.

The project will help enhance security, stability and promote cooperation in the border areas, strengthen trust and support each other on similar issues, the Chinese leader stressed.

Xi also underlined the need for both sides to launch the construction of the gas pipeline as soon as possible, as well as expand cooperation in such fields as mineral resources exploitation, agriculture and transport infrastructure.

The statements follow similar sentiments during a strategic partnership meeting when Rakhmon’s visited China in May.

Rakhmon warned that the two countries should also combat the “three evil forces” of terrorism, extremism and separatism during coordinated work with China.

In 2006, China and Turkmenistan signed the pipeline agreement to begin construction and supply of long-term gas.

The China-Central Asia gas pipeline (also known as the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline) is a natural gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Xinjiang, China.

The pipeline is expected to cost USD 7.3 billion.