国内英语新闻:China, Turkmenistan agree to further enhance cooperation

ASHGABAT, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- China and Turkmenistan have agreed to continue expanding and deepening cooperation so as to push forward their relations of friendship and cooperation in an all-round way.

Both sides made the commitment Thursday at the first meeting of the Sino-Turkmen cooperation committee, which was co-chaired by visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister Baymyrat Hojamuhammedov.

Wang said that the meeting marked the beginning of a new phase in Sino-Turkmen cooperation, and that the committee's functions of planning, guiding and coordinating cooperative matters should be given full play in a bid to continue to promote cooperation and friendly cooperative ties between the two countries.

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan (C, front) speaks at the first meeting of the Sino-Turkmen cooperation committee in Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan, Nov. 25, 2010.

Wang hailed the close high-level exchanges and the ever deepening political mutual trust between the two nations in recent years, as well as their smooth cooperation, particularly in the energy sector.

The China-Central Asia gas pipeline has become a landmark of the two countries' friendly cooperation, he said.

Wang, meanwhile, spoke highly of the two countries' exchanges in culture and education fields, and their firm mutual support on major issues concerning each other's core interests such as sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

China and Turkmenistan should deepen collaboration in natural gas and oil areas, ensure the long-term, stable, efficient and safe operation of the China-Central Asia gas pipeline, carry out the exploring projects of oil fields, Wang noted.

He added that they should also promote cooperation in the sectors of transportation, telecommunication, infrastructure building, high-tech, textile and agriculture.

The two sides should also enhance exchanges in culture, security and law enforcement, crack down on the three evil forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism, in order to maintain the safety and stability in the two countries and the entire region at large, Wang said.

Hojamuhammedov, for his part, said the launching of the cooperation committee is a big event for bilateral ties.

He noted that China, as an important neighbor, always respects the independence and sovereignty of Turkmenistan. He called China an intimate friend and reliable partner.

Turkmenistan sees China as a strategic partner and will support as always China's stance on issues like safeguarding national reunification and territorial integrity and combating the three evil forces, the Turkmen leader said.

He also pledged continuous efforts in promoting cooperation with China in such fields as energy, education, art, tourism and security.

The two sides will hold the second meeting of the cooperation committee in China in 2012.

Before arriving in Turkmenistan, Wang had already visited Russia, where he attended the 14th meeting of the Joint Commission for the Regular Meetings of Heads of Government of China and Russia, and the meeting of the China-Russia Energy Negotiation representatives.