China, Turkmenistan pledge to further energy cooperation

China and Turkmenistan pledged to further cooperation in such areas as energy and trade during Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister Atamurat Berdyev's visit in Beijing.

China and Turkmenistan are increasingly deepening their cooperation in energy and trade, said Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan on Friday while meeting with Berdyev.

The two countries have also carried out effective cooperation on international and regional affairs, Tang said.

Berdyev pays a working visit to China from Dec. 1 to 6. Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held talks with him Friday morning.

Tang expressed his hope that the two countries, based on consensus reached by two heads of state, could improve their pragmatic cooperation in various fields in line with principles of equality, mutual trust and mutual benefit.

China supports Turkmenistan's policy and efforts for safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and dignity, Tang said.

Berdyev said the Turkmen government attaches importance to bilateral relations and will deepen cooperation with China in such fields as energy in a bid to promote bilateral relations.

Source: Xinhua