China's top legislator Wu
Bangguo said that China is ready to work with Turkmenistan to
deepen pragmatic cooperation in the field of energy.
Wu said China-Turkmenistan relations are important to China,
which regards the Central Asian country as a key partner.
Wu made the remarks during a meeting with Turkmenistan's
president, Saparmurat Niyazov, who arrived in Beijing on Sunday for
a six-day state visit.
"The departments concerned will quicken their steps to study and
implement the China-Turkmenistan gas pipeline project," according
to a joint statement signed after talks between President Hu Jintao
and Niyazov on Monday.
"Chinese enterprises are encouraged to participate in the
exploration and development of the natural gas field in
Turkmenistan," the statement says.?
Wu also highlighted the increasing volume of trade between the
two countries, which have also maintained close communication and
cooperation in international affairs.
"We appreciate Turkmenistan's consistent support for China on
Taiwan and Tibet issues, and in fighting 'the three forces' of
terrorism, separatism and extremism," Wu added.
China will support Turkmenistan's efforts to safeguard its
sovereignty and develop its national economy, Wu added.
On parliamentary exchanges, Wu said?China's National
People's Congress (NPC)?will
further exchanges and cooperation with Turkmenistan's parliament so
as to promote bilateral relations.
Echoing Wu's views, Niyazov said his country will expand
cooperation with China in such areas?as trade, energy,
infrastructure and culture, and enhance coordination in
international affairs.
Niyazov reiterated his country's adherence to the one-China
policy.
Niyazov also expressed his hope that the parliaments of the two
countries would promote exchanges and establish long-term friendly
cooperation.
The six-day visit will take Niyazov to China's financial hub
Shanghai and
Zhejiang Province in east China.
(Xinhua News Agency April 5, 2006)