China, Turkmenistan pledge closer cooperation

BEIJING, Nov. 12 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in Beijing on Thursday, vowing to step up cooperation between the two nations in all fields.

Hailing Turkmenistan's support for the Belt and Road initiative, Xi said China is willing to work with Turkmenistan on the construction of the China-Central Asia-West Asia economic corridor, which passes through Turkmenistan and is part of the initiative.

"We will follow the principle of wide consultations, joint contribution and shared benefits and work with Turkmenistan," Xi said.

Dubbing Turkmenistan as China's long-standing and reliable strategic partner in the energy sector, Xi said China looks forward to deepening energy cooperation with Turkmenistan through joint efforts.

Xi also pledged to continue expanding import from Turkmenistan, and advance the two countries' cooperation in potash production, electricity, information technology, agriculture, finance, and transportation.

In regard to the complex and grave regional security situation, Xi suggested the two countries boost security cooperation and jointly fight against threats of the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as transnational organized crime.

China and Turkmenistan share the same stance on many regional and international issues, which is proof of the high-level strategic partnership of the two countries, said Xi.

He said China will continue to step up communication with Turkmenistan on issues including international energy cooperation.

They also agreed to strengthen people-to-people exchanges in such areas as education and sports, so as to further cement friendship between the two peoples.

As this year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World's Anti-Fascist War, Berdimuhamedov said a major purpose of his visit is to extend his congratulations. He lauded China's great contribution to the victory of the World's Anti-Fascist War as well as the establishment of the post-war world order.

Hailing the development of the bilateral ties since China and Turkmenistan established strategic partnership in 2013, Berdimuhamedov said the two countries enjoy immense potential for cooperation, especially in inter-connectivity of infrastructure.