President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan Ji Shumin, who presented his credentials to the head of state.

As the State News Agency of Turkmenistan writes, the diplomat conveyed greetings and best wishes from PRC Chairman Xi Jinping to the head of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people. He noted that China attaches great importance to the development of strategic cooperation with Turkmenistan and highly appreciates the international initiatives put forward by the country.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the ambassador on his appointment and conveyed his best wishes to the Chinese leader. He stressed that China is one of Turkmenistan's most important strategic partners.

"We attach great importance to further expansion of interstate dialogue at all levels. Our countries have centuries-old friendly relations, and current cooperation is based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and trust," Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized.

The head of state noted the importance of his meeting with Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the second Central Asia-China summit in Astana, which confirmed their mutual commitment to deepening comprehensive cooperation.

As noted at the meeting, China has been Turkmenistan's main trade, economic and investment partner for many years. The large Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China gas pipeline is a striking example of effective partnership in the fuel and energy sector.

Turkmenistan advocates coordinating its strategy "Revival of the Great Silk Road" with China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative. Particular attention is paid to deepening ties in science, education, healthcare and culture.

The ambassador assured that he would make every effort to further deepen the traditionally friendly interstate relations.