Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met on Thursday with Tajikistani Prime Minister Akil Akilov, vowing to expand the bilateral cooperation.

Wen said the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries maintained a sound momentum. Both countries should expand the cooperation in agriculture, mine resources and the infrastructure construction.

He said the Chinese government regarded Tajikistan as an important partner in mid-Asian region.

He said China was willing to deepen the bilateral ties, advance economic and trade investment in Tajikistan and take joint efforts to safeguard the regional peace and stability.

Akil Akilov praised the support from the Chinese government in the country's core interests and national construction.

He hoped to expand the cooperation with China in water and electricity, mine resources, textile, etc. He hoped more Chinese companies would invest in Tajikistan and the bilateral trade expanded.

Akil Akilov came to China to attend the eighth prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states.