Li Keqiang Meets with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov

On the afternoon of January 6, 2023, Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council met with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the Great Hall of the People during his state visit to China.

Li Keqiang welcomed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's visit to China on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Turkmenistan. He noted that China and Turkmenistan enjoy a time-honored friendship, and that the two sides have respected each other and treated each other as equals over the years, with cooperation in various fields yielding positive outcomes and benefiting the two countries and the two peoples. Recalling the fruitful talks between President Xi Jinping and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the morning of the day, Li Keqiang noted that the two presidents have jointly announced the decision to elevate the China-Turkmenistan relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Li Keqiang said China is ready to work with Turkmenistan to maintain high-level exchanges, seek greater synergy between development strategies, and deepen all-round mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to continuously push forward bilateral relations.

Li Keqiang pointed out that energy cooperation is an important pillar of practical cooperation between the two countries. He said that China is ready to step up efforts with Turkmenistan to advance the construction of the China-Central Asia Gas Pipeline for greater mutual benefit and win-win results. He expressed the hope that Turkmenistan will ensure stable gas supplies to China, especially in winter, in accordance with the contracts reached on the basis of common understandings between the two sides. It's important that the two sides continue to leverage the strength of the China-Turkmenistan Cooperation Committee, implement the already signed cooperation plan between the two governments on expanding economic relations, and step up negotiations on the list of priority economic cooperation projects to expand areas of cooperation. Li Keqiang said that China encourages more Chinese companies to invest and do business in Turkmenistan and hopes that Turkmenistan will foster a sound business environment. Noting that Turkmenistan is committed to permanent neutrality and that China always pursues an independent foreign policy of peace, Li Keqiang expressed the hope that the two sides will enhance communication and coordination in regional and international affairs to safeguard regional peace, stability and development.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan and China enjoy a profound friendship. Turkmenistan is ready to work with China to further strengthen cooperation in such areas as politics, economy and trade, energy, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, deepen communication and coordination in international affairs, promote better development of Turkmenistan-China comprehensive strategic partnership, and realize win-win cooperation. He said more Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest and do business in Turkmenistan.

Wang Yi and He Lifeng and others were present at the event.