Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday hailed the elevation of relations between China and Turkmenistan to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

He made the remarks when meeting with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Welcoming Berdimuhamedov to China for the China-Central Asia Summit, Xi recalled President Berdimuhamedov's successful state visit to China in January this year, during which they announced that the bilateral relationship would be elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership and that a community with a shared future would be practiced at the bilateral level, opening a new chapter in China-Turkmenistan relations.

Noting that Turkmenistan successfully held parliamentary elections, Xi said that Turkmenistan has concluded an important domestic political agenda.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and China 31 years ago, the two sides have always adhered to the principle of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, Xi said, adding that the development of relations between the two countries has great potential and broad prospects.

China is ready to work with Turkmenistan to keep bringing the relationship forward for greater benefits of the two peoples, Xi added.

Stressing that China firmly supports Turkmenistan in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and firmly supports Turkmenistan in taking the development path that is in line with its national conditions, Xi said that China is willing to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan in the fields of economy, trade, natural gas and connectivity, and will encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Turkmenistan.

China looks forward to working with the five Central Asian countries to successfully hold the summit, promote the steady development of cooperation between China and Central Asia, and maintain peace, stability and long-term stability in the Central Asian region, Xi stressed.

For his part, Berdimuhamedov said Turkmenistan highly values its comprehensive strategic partnership with China and is willing to work with China to deepen cooperation in energy, innovation, and other fields, including cultural exchanges.

Turkmenistan is willing to communicate and cooperate closely with China to jointly address challenges and promote regional security, stability, development, and prosperity, he added.

(With input from Xinhua)