On the afternoon of July 17, 2007, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his Turkmenistan counterpart Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov at the Great Hall of the People. The two heads of state agreed to expand cooperation and jointly usher in a new period for bilateral friendly cooperation.

Hu said since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 15 years ago, the development of bilateral relations has maintained sound momentum with increasing political trust, economic cooperation of mutual benefit, cultural exchanges and mutual support in international and regional affairs. Hu spoke highly of the efforts President Berdymukhamedov has made to adhere to a friendly China policy and the one-China position, to abide by the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic ties and other important documents between both sides, and to actively develop ties with China. China has always respected the social system chosen by Turkmenistan according to its national conditions and supports the country's endeavor to safeguard state independence and sovereignty and promote stability and development. No matter what changes take place in the international situation, China will stick to its policy of friendship for generations, long-term cooperation, mutual benefit and common development, he added.

Berdymukhamedov said the two countries have a time-honored history of exchanges and the ancient Silk Road had once linked the two peoples together. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have maintained sound relations with close exchanges and cooperation, he said. He also expressed gratitude for the support of China on issues related to Turkmenistan's independence and sovereignty, as well as China's precious aid for the nation's economic and social development. Turkmenistan attaches great importance to ties with China and will as always strengthen friendly cooperation of mutual benefit with China to achieve common development, said the president.

During their talks, Hu put forward a five-point proposal to enhance friendly cooperation. First, to strengthen friendly exchanges and build political trust. He suggested both sides maintain and develop high-level exchanges, as well as sound political ties at government, parliamentary and party levels, and continue support and coordination on major issues of mutual concern. Second, to deepen economic and trade cooperation and bring benefits to both peoples. Hu proposed that while implementing the cooperation projects already agreed upon, both sides should fully tap their advantages and expand cooperation on economy, trade, oil and gas, transportation, telecommunications, textiles and project contract for common development. Third, to expand humanistic exchanges and deepen traditional friendship. China supports the holding of cultural days and arts festivals in each other and is ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation on culture, education, sports and tourism, he said. The Chinese president also said China encourages friendly exchanges between the two countries' regions and non-governmental organizations, especially contacts between the youth of the two countries so that the China-Turkmenistan friendship can be deeply rooted in the hearts of both peoples. Fourth, to enhance security cooperation to promote regional stability. Hu called on the two sides to well implement their bilateral cooperation agreement on combating the "three evil forces" to safeguard regional peace and stability. Fifth, to strengthen consultations and coordination and safeguard common interests. China is ready to communicate with Turkmenistan on some major regional and international issues in a timely manner to exchange views and coordinate positions. China will as always support Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality policy and support the United Nations (UN) to establish Regional Center for Central Asia on Preventive Diplomacy in Turkmenistan, he added.

Berdymukhamedov agreed with Hu's proposals, saying that Turkmenistan would strengthen political exchanges with China, deepen bilateral cooperation on economy, trade, energy, textiles, architecture, public health, culture and education and carefully implement the natural gas project agreements with China. He also pledged to enhance coordination between security and law enforcement departments of the two countries to fight "the three evil forces", so as to contribute to peace, stability and development of the two countries and the region at large.

After the talks, the two presidents signed a joint statement on promoting bilateral friendly cooperative relations and attended a signing ceremony of several bilateral cooperation agreements concerning economy, technology, energy and education.

Prior to the talks, President Hu Jintao hosted a welcoming ceremony for Berdymukhamedov at the Square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Ismail Amat, Vice Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Chen Kuiyuan, Vice Chairman Qi Xuchun of the Revolutionary Committee of Chinese Kuomintang (RCCK), Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Chairman of the State Development and Reform Commission (SDRC) Ma Kai, Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai, Chinese Ambassador to Turkmenistan Lu Guicheng and other officials attended the ceremony.