China/ Xi Jinping: We should grow energy cooperation with Turkmenistan

The Chinese leader Xi Jinping declared his willingness to grow gas cooperation and strengthen partnership with Turkmenistan on Wednesday in Beijing – the Chinese Ministry of abroad Affairs stated in a note from the Xi gathering with the president of the People's Council of that country Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Both sides stressed the request to fight "three forces of evil".

"The parties should grow their cooperation in the field of natural gas, increase trade and investment," said Xi, quoted in the Communication of the Ministry of Diplomacy. He pointed out that common political support is the "key substance of a comprehensive strategical partnership" between Beijing and Ashchabad.

Cooperation is besides intended to cover fresh areas, including artificial intelligence, the digital economy and clean energy, which is part of a late approved five-year plan in China.

Xi assured that regardless of the global developments, China will support "independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity" of the partner. He called for "the practice of actual multilateralism" and the joint promotion of "fair global governance".

Both leaders agreed on the necessity of a decisive fight against the "three forces of evil": terrorism, separatistism and extremism to build a safety barrier for the improvement of both nations.

Former Turkmenistan president expressed his support for Chinese global initiatives. "When China is well, the planet is better," said Berdimuhamedow, quoted by the Chinese abroad Ministry.

China is presently the largest importer of Turkmen gas. Annually, about 40 billion cubic metres of the Asia Central – China pipeline goes to the PRC. Turkmenistan has the 4th largest gas reserve in the world. The country is the only country in Central Asia to evidence a gigantic surplus in trade with China of around US$8.6 billion, mainly through gas.