National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held talks with China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC) Chairman Dai Houliang during a visit to China, the Watan habarlary news program reported.

Berdimuhamedov highlighted CNPC’s role as a reliable partner of Turkmenistan in the oil and gas sector.

Berdimuhamedov said this year marks the 20th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and CNPC and proposed holding an international scientific conference to mark the occasion.

The sides discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation. Berdimuhamedov also said the phased development of the Galkynysh gas field has created thousands of jobs.

Dai reaffirmed readiness to continue cooperation with Turkmenistan in the energy sector and said the corporation would continue to meet its commitments.

At the end of the meeting, Berdimuhamedov and Dai expressed confidence in the continued development of mutually beneficial cooperation aimed at the well-being of both countries’ peoples.