Turkmenistan wants stronger ties with China

Source: CCTV.com | 02-17-2007 09:06

Turkmenistan's new president, Gurbanguli Berdymukhamedov, says he's satisfied with his country's relations with China. And he said he wants to forge even stronger ties.

President Berdymukhamedov said Turkmenistan has carried out major reforms while maintaining social stability. There is peaceful coexistence among people from different social strata and among those who follow different religious faiths.

Berdymukhamedov also pledged to improve the social welfare of his people. He pledges over 60% of the national budget, to provide free water, electricity and natural gas. The GDP of Turkmenistan is growing by 20% a year. In 2006 foreign trade volume exceeded over 8.7 billion US dollars.

On foreign policy, the President said he will maintain the neutral stance of the late president, Saparmurat Niyazov. He said, as a peace-loving nation, Turkmenistan denounces acts of terrorism, extremism and forces of division. He voiced strong opposition to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Commenting on the China Turkmenistan relationship, Berdymukhamedov said Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the bilateral ties. He notes the fruitful cooperation between the two countries. He adds, concrete benefits have come from economic accords, trade, transport, energy and culture agreements. The close co-operation between China and Turkmenistan, he says, is a positive contribution to stability in the region and peace in the world.

Berdymukhamedov said Turkmenistan is ready to make concerted efforts with China in pushing forward even greater cooperation in areas including energy, culture, education and medical services.

With Spring Festival nearing, the Turkmen president expressed a wish for the prosperity of China and a healthy and happy new year to the Chinese people.

Editor:Du Xiaodan