Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Tajik President Emomali Rakhmonov expressed Saturday their shared hope that the two countries could build a closer and wider relationship.

In their meeting, Wen said China was willing to sign a friendship and cooperation treaty with Tajikistan, which would affirm in legal form the principles in the process of establishing a broader and deeper relationship.

Rakhmonov expressed the hope that Tajikistan and China could develop intensive and mutually-beneficial cooperation in a wide array of sectors, including trade, investment, energy, telecommunication and tourism.

While expressing appreciation for Rakhmonov's reaffirmation on opposing Taiwan independence and supporting China's national reunification cause, Wen said China stood for Tajikistan's efforts for upholding national sovereignty, security and stability.

Wen said China was willing to strengthen cooperation with Tajikistan in cracking down on terrorism, separatism and extremism, hoping that the two countries could be well-prepared for a joint anti-terror exercise along their border, which was planned for late September.

On crackdown on drug trafficking, Wen said China was supportive of a greater role played by Tajikistan which leads the anti-drug operation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Rakhmonov said cooperation in security and anti-drugs was in the interest of both countries and Tajikistan would intensify joint efforts with China.

Wen arrived here Friday for a two-day official visit and for attending the fifth meeting of prime ministers of the SCO.

Source: Xinhua