China and Turkmenistan are eyeing further cooperation in clean energy and nuclear power in their long-term strategic partnership in the energy sector.

Both sides can discuss and deal with the problems during the expansion of natural gas volume, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday during a meeting with Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov.

Wang is currently in Turkmenistan, during a five-day visit to Central Asia, which also includes Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The Chinese official hailed Turkmenistan as a "true strategic partner," pointing out that next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Wang added that China will take the occasion as an opportunity to further deepen political mutual trust, expand cooperation in an all-round way, inject new vitality into their bilateral cooperation, lift the China-Turkmenistan strategic partnership to new levels, and provide a strong impetus for the development and revitalization of the two countries.

On his part, Meredov first hailed the accomplishments made by the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as this year marks the 100th anniversary of CPC's founding.

Turkmenistan and China have established high-level political mutual respect, he said, adding that the two countries have maintained win-win cooperation. 

The Turkmen official thanked China for the COVID-19 vaccines Beijing has offered to the country and said he hoped to strengthen ties in renewable energy, environmental protection, aerospace, and communication.

Turkmenistan firmly supported China on issues concerning its core interests, he added.

(Cover: Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (2nd L) speaks with Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov (2nd R) in Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan, July 12, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry)