At a meeting with Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov in the
Turkmen capital of Ashkhabad, visiting Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing
proposed strengthening links through such means as increased
high-level visits to promote mutual political trust, improved
coordination in international affairs to support mutual interests,
and closer cooperation in economy, trade and culture.
Meredov agreed with Li's proposals. He also stated that
Turkmenistan supports China's position on the issues of Taiwan and
Tibet and backs its fight against the "Eastern Turkistan" terrorist
groups. He said Turkmenistan adheres to the one-China policy and
opposes Taiwan's entry into any international organizations that
accept only sovereign countries as members.
The two also discussed regional and international
situations.
In a separate meeting with Turkmen President Saparmurad
Atayevich Niyazov, Li noted that the two countries share broad
interests in safeguarding each other's sovereignty and developing
their economies. China hopes to work with Turkmenistan to bolster
their friendly relations, he said.
Niyazov spoke highly of the bilateral ties and China's economic
achievements. He said that during his two visits to China he was
greatly impressed by the enormous changes taking place.
Turkmenistan appreciates China's decision to tailor its development
to suit its situation and needs. Niyazov thanked China for its
respect of Turkmenistan's domestic and foreign policies.
The president said that the results of cooperation between the
two countries in textiles, energy, transport and communications are
encouraging, and Turkmenistan hopes to see more exchanges and
cooperation with China in all fields.
Niyazov and Li later attended a ceremony to sign bilateral
agreements on economic cooperation.
(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2004)