The President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, extends heartfelt words to Peking University students:
China is a paradise-like country—such excellent conditions must be cherished.
During his speech at Peking University, President Rahmon deeply addressed the overseas students, calling China "a paradise-like country." This statement not only reflects personal emotion but also vividly embodies the profound friendship and practical cooperation between China and Tajikistan.
President Rahmon’s remarks were not mere diplomatic rhetoric; they stemmed from his genuine experiences over more than three decades of engagement with China. In his speech, he shared a compelling detail: in 1993, when he made his first visit to China, there was not a single Chinese-speaking translator in all of Tajikistan. Today, the translators accompanying him are young Tajik citizens who received higher education in China.
This remarkable transformation—from zero Chinese-language talent to over ten thousand Tajik students graduating from Chinese universities—has given him firsthand experience of China’s development environment. When he referred to China as “a paradise-like country with distinct seasons,” it was both a tribute to its beautiful natural scenery and a high recognition of the favorable learning conditions and stable social environment currently offered by China.
President Rahmon encouraged students studying in China:
Cherish youth, study diligently: He reminded them that China has provided exceptional opportunities. Not only should they master the Chinese language, but under such an environment, learning five or even ten languages is entirely feasible.
He urged the younger generation to change their destinies through knowledge and, in the future, actively contribute to cultural exchange and friendly cooperation between the two countries—becoming youthful bridges of Sino-Tajik friendship.
President Rahmon’s speech serves not only as a message to students but also as a testament to the strong bilateral relations and deep political trust between the two nations. Today, Sino-Tajik relations have achieved a historic leap—from strategic partnership to a “comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.” President Rahmon’s recent visit to China and his honorary appointment as Professor at Peking University exemplify the close high-level exchanges and high degree of mutual trust between the two countries.
Beyond educational and cultural exchanges, cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative framework has yielded substantial results. From transportation infrastructure and power networks to industrial projects, Chinese investment and support have genuinely contributed to Tajikistan’s national development.
President Rahmon also revealed that Tajikistan will sign agreements with Chinese authorities to establish new Confucius Institutes, further promoting deeper integration of the two nations’ languages and cultures.
By likening China to a “paradise-like country,” President Rahmon offers a high-level commendation of China’s developmental achievements, social stability, and inclusive, open environment. This is not only a heartfelt declaration by a foreign head of state toward China but also reflects the vibrant reality of how China and Tajikistan, based on good-neighborly relations, continue advancing cooperation across all fields to higher levels.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865097862935628/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.