Chinese-Turkmen gas cooperation makes a significant contribution to China's energy security and the development of energy cooperation in the region, stated Ji Shumin, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan.

"Chinese-Turkmen gas cooperation contributes to strengthening China's energy security, promotes the development of energy cooperation in our region, and also brings substantial budget revenues to Turkmenistan and creates a large number of jobs," he said during a briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Ashgabat.

According to the ambassador, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the start of large-scale gas cooperation between the two countries. As of March 1, Turkmenistan had exported 460 billion cubic meters of natural gas to China via the China-Turkmenistan gas pipeline. China has remained the largest importer of Turkmen gas and Turkmenistan's largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years.

The ambassador also reminded that the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) was declared the winner of the tender for the fourth stage of the Galkynysh field development project. Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved the corresponding contract between CNPC and Turkmengaz. According to the diplomat, the project's implementation will increase the country's gas production capacity, boost state budget revenues, and create new jobs for the Turkmen population.