国内英语新闻:Senior CPC official starts visit to Turkmenistan

ASHGABAD, June 17 (Xinhua) -- He Guoqiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, arrived here Thursday to start an official and good-will visit to Turkmenistan.

In a written statement upon his arrival, He Guoqiang said Sino-Turkmen relations were time-tested, and the countries' political trust and economic and trade cooperation has been strengthened since they forged diplomatic ties 18 years ago.

The two countries have supported each other in international organizations on issues concerning each other's core interests, he said.

He Guoqiang, also secretary of the CPC's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, had a transit visit to Azerbaijan before arriving in Ashgabad.

During his stay in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, He Guoqiang met with Prime Minister Artur Rasizade on Wednesday.

He Guoqiang said he was visiting for friendship and cooperation, and China valued its relationship with Azerbaijan, respected the way of development that Azerbaijan has chosen according to its own situation. He appreciated Azerbaijan's adherence to the one-China policy.