China and Turkmenistan should expand energy cooperation, which is an important part of the bilateral strategic partnership that could benefit the economy of both sides, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday.

Xi made the remarks while meeting with Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow in Tashkent at the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.

China appreciates Turkmenistan's support and participation in the Belt and Road Initiatives, and welcomes the country's measures of improving its infrastructure and boosting the efficiency of logistics transportation, Xi said.

Chinese companies have proactively participated to the public interest activities and benefited local people while they do business in Turkmenistan, he said.

The Chinese president said that he was glad to see that Turkmenistan will provide Chinese language courses in primary and middle schools.

The two countries should fight against the three forces of extremists, terrorists and separatists through enhancing law enforcement cooperation, he said.

Berdimuhamedow reiterated the country's support toward the "One-China" policy, and he said that Turkmenistan would like to participate in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiatives.

The two countries should enhance cooperation in areas including energy, traffic and high technology, he said.

China is Turkmenistan' largest trade partner, and the two-way trade volume reached $7 billion last year.

[email protected]