Peace, stability in central Asia suit interests of China, Turkmenistan: joint statement

BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Peace and stability in central Asia suit the interests of China and Turkmenistan, and the two sides will continue to make efforts to promote development and prosperity in this area.

The pledge was made in a joint statement on enhancing bilateral ties signed by Chinese President Hu Jintao and Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the two countries will work together to maintain peace and stability in central Asia.

The statement said that as countries in central Asia have unique historical cultures and traditions, the international community should respect the ways that the nations in this area choose to develop their own countries.

The Chinese side spoke highly of the efforts that Turkmenistan has made for maintaining security, stability and development in central Asia.