Senior Chinese legislator visits Turkmenistan on B&R cooperation

Wang Chen, vice chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee meets with Akdzha Nurberdyeva, chairperson of the Turkmen Parliament, in Ashgabat on May 22, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Wang Chen, vice chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee highlighted the fruitful China-Turkmenistan cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative during his visit to Turkmenistan on May 22-24.

At the invitation of the Turkmen Parliament, Wang made the tour and met separately with Akdzha Nurberdyeva, chairperson of the Turkmen Parliament, and Kasymguly Babayev, chairman of the Turkmen Democratic Party, in Ashgabat, capital and the largest city of Turkmenistan.

During their talks, Wang said that thanks to the long-term China-Turkmenistan friendship, bilateral cooperation, with broad prospect for further development, has reapt bumper harvest under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative in recent years.

The two countries have conducted long-term strategic cooperation in such areas as energy and transportation, he said.

Wang also called for concerted efforts to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, so as to further advance bilateral strategic partnership.

The NPC stands ready to promote friendly contact and exchanges in legislation and supervision with the Turkmen Parliament so as to creat a favorable cultural, legal and social environment for practical cooperation between the two sides, he said.

For their parts, the Turkmen side said this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-Turkmenistan diplomatic relations.

Mutually beneficial cooperation has helped promote Turkmenitan's economic growth, they said, adding that the Turkmen Parliament supports the government in pursuing friendly policies towards China and participating actively in bilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Belt and Road Initiative, first proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, with the aim to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes.

During his visit, Wang also laid flowers at the Memorial Hall of Saparmurat Niyazov, the late first president of Turkmenistan.