Turkmen leader and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a friendly visit to China, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan reported.

During the meeting, the parties discussed a wide range of bilateral cooperation issues, including foreign policy, trade and economics, the fuel and energy sector, transport and logistics, and cultural and humanitarian ties.

Relations between the two countries are reaching the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, the statement said.

Xi Jinping called Turkmenistan a reliable partner for China in Central Asia and emphasized Beijing's high regard for the country's policy of permanent neutrality. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in turn, expressed Ashgabat's support for China's global initiatives in the areas of security, development, civilization, and governance.

The parties also exchanged views on the prospects for joint development of the Galkynyş gas field and opportunities for cooperation within the framework of aligning the Turkmen strategy of "Revival of the Great Silk Road" with China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative.