Chinese vice premier says new gas field to further boost China-Turkmenistan energy cooperation

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said on Friday that the smooth start to the fourth phase of Turkmenistan's Galkynysh gas field will take bilateral energy cooperation to a new level.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a groundbreaking ceremony with National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in Mary, Turkmenistan.

In his address, Ding said natural gas cooperation between China and Turkmenistan has yielded fruitful results, supporting economic and social development on both sides and benefiting their people.

He noted that the project's smooth launch is a significant achievement in deepening comprehensive cooperation between China and Turkmenistan, and opens a new chapter in bilateral natural gas collaboration.

Ding said the project embodies the shared aspirations of both peoples. He expressed the hope that relevant authorities and enterprises on both sides will make meticulous arrangements, carry out construction in a scientific manner, and advance the project in a solid and orderly way.

He also put forward a three-point proposal.

First, both sides should prioritize quality. Build a premium project to high standards with craftsmanship, thus striving to deliver a first-class project that can stand the test of time.

Second, both sides should pursue innovation-driven development. Make the project a benchmark by driving innovations in project management, technology and cooperation models, setting an example for major natural gas projects.

Third, both sides should adhere to win-win cooperation. Make the project a symbol of friendship by strengthening technical exchanges and personnel training, ensuring that cooperation outcomes benefit both peoples and contribute to China-Turkmenistan friendship.

Ding noted that China is ready to work with Turkmenistan to take major projects such as the fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field as a new starting point, deepening practical cooperation across various fields, promoting common development and regional prosperity, and jointly building a closer China-Turkmenistan community with a shared future.

Ding and Berdimuhamedov jointly launched drilling operations via video link, held a foundation-laying ceremony, and visited an exhibition of oil and gas equipment.

(Cover: A natural gas processing plant of the Galkynysh gas field, Mary, Turkmenistan, June 28, 2013. /VCG)