China is willing to strengthen energy cooperation in natural gas and other areas with Turkmenistan as next year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic ties, said Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

Xi made the remarks as he held a phone conversation with his Turkmen counterpart Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on Thursday. 

Xi said that the two countries should seize the opportunity to comprehensively expand their cooperation and provide momentum for the two countries' development and revitalization.

Xi said that China is willing to strengthen energy cooperation with Turkmenistan, noting that their cooperation in natural gas is a clear manifestation of the two countries' mutually beneficial, win-win relationship.

China is willing to import more quality products from Turkmenistan, expand their digital and aerospace cooperation, and share the opportunities brought by China's large market to realize the two countries' common prosperity.

He added that China and Turkmenistan have made significant contributions to the global fight against the pandemic. With the world still grappling with COVID-19, China is willing to continue to cooperate with Turkmenistan in fighting the pandemic, especially in vaccine cooperation.

Berdimuhamedov said that the country appreciates China's support to its status of permanent neutrality and Turkmenistan cherishes and attaches great importance to its friendship with China.

Turkmenistan is willing to strengthen its cooperation with China in areas including natural gas, trade, cross-border transportation, healthcare, COVID-19 and other areas.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also made a phone call on Friday with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, saying that the Chinese side is ready to work with Turkmenistan to jointly elevate China-Turkmenistan relations to a new level.

The Chinese side is going to hold the second meeting of the foreign ministers of China and five Central Asian countries, and seeks to make joint efforts with Turkmenistan to further cooperation between China and five Central Asian countries through this meeting, Wang added.

Meredov said that the country will make effort to push forward Turkmenistan-China relations and expand cooperation in various fields.

He added that Turkmenistan believes that the meeting of foreign ministers of China and five Central Asian countries will provide a good opportunity to promote bilateral ties and regional cooperation.

(With input from Xinhua)