(Xinhua/Wang Ye)
Special Chinese Presidential Envoy and Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said on Friday that the successful launch of the fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field would elevate energy cooperation between China and Turkmenistan to a new level.
Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, made the remarks at the launching ceremony of the fourth phase of the gas field, attended by National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
In his speech, Ding announced that, under the strategic leadership of the top leaders of the two countries, cooperation between China and Turkmenistan in the field of natural gas has produced fruitful results, firmly supporting the economic and social development of the two countries and benefiting their people.
He stressed that the successful launch of the project is a major achievement in deepening comprehensive cooperation between China and Turkmenistan, and opens a new chapter in bilateral cooperation in the field of natural gas.
Ding said this project carries the sincere expectations of the top leaders of the two countries and embodies the common aspirations of the two peoples. He expressed hope that relevant authorities and enterprises on both sides will make meticulous arrangements, carry out the work scientifically, and advance the project in a solid and orderly manner.
Mr. Ding made a three-point proposal.
Firstly, both parties must prioritize quality and make this project a project of excellence by promoting craftsmanship and advancing construction to high standards, thereby striving to achieve a top-notch project that can stand the test of time.
Second, both sides should pursue innovation-driven development and make this project a benchmark by promoting innovations in project management, technology and cooperation models, to provide experience and example for large gas projects.
Third, the two sides should adhere to win-win cooperation and make this project a symbol of friendship by strengthening technical exchanges and personnel training, ensuring that the fruits of cooperation further benefit the two peoples and contribute to the friendship between China and Turkmenistan.
He noted that China is willing to work with Turkmenistan to make major projects such as the fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field a new starting point to deepen practical cooperation in various fields, promote common development and regional prosperity, and jointly build a closer China-Turkmenistan community with a shared future.
Mr. Ding and Mr. Berdimuhamedov jointly launched drilling operations via video link and held a foundation stone-laying ceremony. They also visited an exhibition of oil and gas equipment.
