China, Turkmenistan to enhance defense cooperation

BEIJING - China and Turkmenistan on Wednesday pledged to enhance cooperation between the countries' armed forces.

In his meeting with Turkmen Defense Minister Begenc Gundogdiyev, Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Fan Changlong said it conforms with the core interests of both peoples to further advance the strategic partnership.

Bilateral cooperation is conducive to regional peace, stability and common development, said Fan.

He said China will continue to maintain high-level exchanges, and increase cooperation on personnel training in order to take bilateral military ties to a new level.

Also on Wednesday, Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan held talks with Gundogdiyev.

Chang said China-Turkmenistan relations entered into a new stage following Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Turkmenistan in September, during which the relationship was lifted to a strategic partnership.

China wants to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state to further explore new areas of military cooperation, Chang said.

For his part, Gundogdiyev said Turkmenistan attaches great importance to its military relations with China.

He said Turkmenistan is ready to further develop and deepen cooperation in areas such as military technology and personnel training.