Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that China is willing to discuss comprehensive cooperation in the field of natural gases with Turkmenistan. 

Wang made the remarks during talks with Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister Serdar Berdymukhamedov in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, ahead of the second China + Central Asia (C+C5) foreign ministers meeting on Wednesday. 

Wang extended his congratulations on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. Noting that next year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Wang said he hopes the bilateral relations could develop toward a more thriving and resilient direction.

China will continue supporting Turkmenistan's efforts in political reform and economic development, its development strategy as well as its commitment to permanent neutrality, the Chinese foreign minister reiterated, adding that China is also willing to be the country's reliable long-term strategic partner.

Viewing the bilateral cooperation in natural gases as the "bedrock" of the ties between the two countries, Wang reaffirmed the Turkmen side that China sees the country as its long-term cooperative partner and called for cooperation in broader areas including trade, investment and technology to diversify the country's economy and realize win-win cooperation.

The two sides agreed to continue supporting each other and work jointly to defend international norms such as the non-interference principle.

They also formulated a five-year plan for comprehensive cooperation between the two countries and called for strengthening coordination in maintaining international information security and biosafety.

Wang thanked Turkmenistan for its firm support of China on issues concerning China's core interests and vowed that China's support for the country will play a constructive role in the UN and other multilateral arenas.

Amid the 30th anniversary of independence of the five countries in central Asia, Wang said that China hopes to reinforce strategic communication, deepen strategic coordination, foster development and contribute to regional peace, stability and development through the C+C5 foreign ministers meeting.

Meredov and Berdymukhamedov highlighted the relationship with China as it is the first country to establish diplomatic ties with Turkmenistan.

They thanked China's support of the country in international affairs and reiterated the country's willingness to enhance cooperation with China in both economic and international affairs.