Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, May 3
By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend:
A report on the preparation for the state visit of President Gurbangulu Berdimuhamedov to China which is planned for May, was presented at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen government reported.
"A large package of documents aimed at diversification of mutually beneficial relations based on opening up new possibilities and prospects is planned to be signed upon the result of the summit talks ," the report said.
Stressing the strategic nature of cooperation between Turkmenistan and China, the Turkmen president said at the meeting that "the history of relations between our nations is rooted deep into the millenniums, into the days of the Silk Road."
Berdimuhamedov also reaffirmed Turkmenistan's adherence to traditionally friendly relations with China.
"We will continue to fully develop a constructive dialogue with China, both bilaterally and multilaterally, in the format of a reputable international and regional organizations and institutions," the president said.
It was reported earlier that a steady growth is observed in the trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China, and its annual capacity is around $9 billion.
Besides the gas industry, China is actively cooperating with Turkmenistan in supplying equipment and services for transport and communications.
China has recently become a key buyer of Turkmen gas and expects to increase annual purchases up to 65 billion cubic meters.
Turkmenistan ranks fourth among the largest natural gas reserves in the world. It is one of the key players in the energy market in the Caspian region and Central Asia.
Ashgabat and Beijing have recently agreed measures to promote and protect mutual investments to support commercial enterprises for their activity in the territory of the countries.
Translated by S.I.
Edited by S.I.