On the afternoon of April 3, 2006, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with Turkmenian President Saparmurat Niyazov in the Great Hall of the People and both sides exchanged in-depth views on bilateral relations, as well as international and regional issues of common interest. The two heads of state agreed to further expand bilateral exchanges and cooperation in all areas and comprehensively develop bilateral friendly cooperative relations in the new century.

Hu said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 14 years ago, bilateral relations have been developing smoothly. Bilateral political trust has been continuously deepened and both sides have show mutual understanding and support on major issues involving state independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. In the areas of economy & trade, transportation, energy and humanities, both sides have conducted effective cooperation, which has brought tangible benefits to both peoples. They have kept close consultations and cooperation in international and regional affairs and made positive contributions to regional and world peace and stability. China makes highly positive comments on Turkmenistan's precious support on the Taiwan, Tibet and other questions, respects the development road independently chosen by Turkmenian people and supports Turkmenistan to pursue the policy of permanent neutrality and make efforts in safeguarding state independence and sovereignty, maintaining internal stability and developing national economy.

Niyazov noted that since time immemorial, the Turkmenian people have held profound respects for China that has always been striving for continuous self-renewal and development. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have maintained sound development momentum. Last year President Niyazov and President Hu Jintao reached new consensus and bilateral relations and mutually beneficial cooperation have witnessed new development at a higher level. Turkmenistan sincerely thanks the Chinese government for offering support and assistance for a long period of time in the areas of politics, economy and social life and will continue resolutely pursue the one-China policy.

Hu indicated that developing bilateral friendly cooperative relations of long-term stability is a set policy of the Chinese government. No matter what changes take place in the international situation, this policy will not change. China would like to work with Turkmenistan to jointly push for all-round, in-depth development of bilateral relations in the following five principles. First, to persist in respecting each other and treating each other as equals. China cherishes bilateral traditional friendship and observes the principle that all countries, big or small, are equal. Both countries are sincere friends and reliable partners forever. Second, to adhere to mutual benefits and expand economic and trade cooperation. Both sides are highly complementary in the areas of market, technology, fund and resources. Both sides should seize opportunities and tap potential to further expand cooperation in the fields of transportation, energy, chemical industry, telecommunications and textile, learn from each other's strong points, close the gap and pursue common development. Third, to adhere to mutual trust and assistance and strengthen security cooperation. Both sides should jointly guard against and combat the "three forces" and safeguard security and stability of their respective countries and this region. Fourth, to persist in learning from each other and expand humanities exchanges. Both sides should further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the areas of culture, education and tourism and build up understanding and friendship between both peoples. Fifth, to adhere to mutual coordination and keep closer international cooperation. Both sides should enhance communication and cooperation on human rights, the reform of the UN and other issues and safeguard common interest of developing nations.

Niyazov fully agreed with Hu's proposals. He said that China has scored amazing achievements in economic growth with its international status further enhanced and to strengthen friendly relations with China conforms to interest of Turkmenian people. Turkmenistan would like to work with China in doing its utmost to push for in-depth development of bilateral relations so that bilateral cooperation in the areas of economy & trade, energy and resources exploitation will bear more fruits.

Both sides also exchanged views on international issues of common interest.

Prior to the talks, President Hu held a welcome ceremony for President Niyazov at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Chairman Xu Jialu of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Vice Chairman Li Zhaozhuo of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Vice Chairman Wang Weicheng the Central Committee of China Democratic League, Minister of the Information Industry Wang Xudong, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo, Vice Chairman Zhang Guobao of the National Development and Reform Commission, Chinese Ambassador to Turkmenistan Lu Guicheng and other officials attended the welcome ceremony.

Following the talks, the two heads of state jointly signed the Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and Turkmenistan and attended the signing ceremony of the document on bilateral economic cooperation and other six ones. Tang Jiaxuan, Wang Xudong, Dai Bingguo, Zhang Guobao, Lu Guicheng and other officials attended the talks and signing ceremony.