China's top legislator Wu Bangguo said that China is ready to work with Turkmenistan to deepen pragmatic cooperation in the field of energy.

 

Wu said China-Turkmenistan relations are important to China, which regards the Central Asian country as a key partner.

 

Wu made the remarks during a meeting with Turkmenistan's president, Saparmurat Niyazov, who arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a six-day state visit.

 

"The departments concerned will quicken their steps to study and implement the China-Turkmenistan gas pipeline project," according to a joint statement signed after talks between President Hu Jintao and Niyazov on Monday.

 

"Chinese enterprises are encouraged to participate in the exploration and development of the natural gas field in Turkmenistan," the statement says.?

 

Wu also highlighted the increasing volume of trade between the two countries, which have also maintained close communication and cooperation in international affairs.

 

"We appreciate Turkmenistan's consistent support for China on Taiwan and Tibet issues, and in fighting 'the three forces' of terrorism, separatism and extremism," Wu added.

 

China will support Turkmenistan's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and develop its national economy, Wu added.

 

On parliamentary exchanges, Wu said?China's National People's Congress (NPC)?will further exchanges and cooperation with Turkmenistan's parliament so as to promote bilateral relations.

 

Echoing Wu's views, Niyazov said his country will expand cooperation with China in such areas?as trade, energy, infrastructure and culture, and enhance coordination in international affairs.

 

Niyazov reiterated his country's adherence to the one-China policy.

 

Niyazov also expressed his hope that the parliaments of the two countries would promote exchanges and establish long-term friendly cooperation.

 

The six-day visit will take Niyazov to China's financial hub Shanghai and Zhejiang Province in east China.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 5, 2006)