On September 11, 2014, President Xi Jinping, at the invitation of President Emomali Rakhmon of Tajikistan, arrived in Dushanbe, attending the 14th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and starting his state visit to Tajikistan.

At about 12:30 pm local time, Xi Jinping arrived at the Dushanbe International Airport by special plane. Xi Jinping and his wife Mme. Peng Liyuan were warmly welcomed by Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda, Deputy Prime Minister Marhabo Jabbori, Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Aslov and others. Local youth, dressed in national costume, presented flowers to Xi Jinping and Mme. Peng Liyuan. Tajik guards of honor, lining up on both sides of the red carpet, saluted them with eyes.

Xi Jinping conveyed sincere greetings and best wishes from the Chinese people to the Tajik people. Xi Jinping pointed out that this is the first time I set foot on Tajikistan, an ancient land, and I am very pleased. China and Tajikistan are linked by mountains and rivers and the two peoples enjoy time-honored friendship which is becoming even firmer as time goes by just like the lofty Pamir Mountains. On May 2013, President Emomali Rakhmon and I jointly decided to establish China-Tajikistan strategic partnership, and the bilateral relations have thus entered a new era of comprehensive and rapid development, showing huge potential for advancement. We should seize the current favorable opportunities to promote timely the good-neighborly friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Tajikistan to a higher level. My visit this time is a tour of friendship and cooperation. And I will make in-depth exchanges with my old friend President Emomali Rakhmon, jointly blueprinting the bright development of China-Tajikistan relations.

Xi Jinping stressed, I am looking forward to joining hands with all parties at the SCO Summit to exchange in-depth opinions on major issues concerning the SCO as well as international and regional issues of common concern, chart the course for the SCO and comprehensively facilitate cooperation in all fields. I believe that this Summit will play a greater role in jointly coping with threats and challenges by all countries and promoting common prosperity and development.

Xi Jinping noted that autumn is the season for harvest. I sincerely hope this visit could achieve fruitful results and benefit the two peoples as well as people of all countries in the region.

Rasulzoda expressed that the sun is shining brightly in Dushanbe today, and the hospitable Tajik people, in their delightful mood, warmly welcome President Xi Jinping's arrival. It is believed that President Xi Jinping's first state visit to Tajikistan will surely achieve a complete success.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and other delegation members arrived by the same plane.

H.E. Fan Xianrong, Chinese Ambassador to Tajikistan, also greeted them at the airport.

Tajikistan is the first leg of President Xi Jinping's visit. Following that, President Xi Jinping will also pay state visits to Maldives, Sri Lanka and India.