AKIPRESS.COM - Construction of an energy corridor in Central Asia is to enter a new stage as Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli called for further energy cooperation with Turkmenistan during his visit to the country, China Daily reported.

China will closely cooperate with Turkmenistan in further advancing construction of natural gas pipelines linking the two countries and jointly boost safe transportation of energy, Zhang said when meeting with President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov.

He said China is ready to deepen trade and economic cooperation with Turkmenistan, which has given high priority to natural gas programs.

Zhang also suggested the two sides jointly develop major projects of infrastructure construction and cargo transit through China's sea ports.

During the Vice Premier's visit to Turkmenistan, he said the exchange of visits by Presidents of the two countries within a year has elevated the China-Turkmenistan strategic partnership to a new height and made important strategic arrangements for bilateral cooperation in all areas.

At the third meeting of the China-Turkmenistan Cooperation Committee, Zhang urged the committee to strengthen strategic cooperation on energy by securing safe and stable operation of the natural gas pipelines.

Experts believe Zhang's visit will help implement the bilateral agreements reached, promote the building of the Silk Road Economic Belt and deepen all-around cooperation.