Natural gas cooperation is the cornerstone of China-Turkmenistan relations and greater cooperation serves the strategic and long-term interests of both countries, according to President Xi Jinping.

He made the comments during talks with Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan, at the Great Hall of the People, during the latter’s state visit to China.

After talks, the two presidents signed cooperation documents in multiple areas, including Belt and Road cooperation, green development, and natural gas.

The two sides need to advance cooperation on major projects ‘at a faster pace’, and unlock cooperation potential in such areas as green energy, natural gas utilisation, energy technologies and equipment to promote cooperation across the industrial chain, according to a statement.

China will support more capable Chinese companies in investing and doing businesses in Turkmenistan, and work expeditiously with Turkmenistan to promote connectivity and facilitate personnel inter-flow between the two countries.