Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Turkmen counterpart, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov have attended a ceremony marking the completion of the first-phase of construction for China National Petroleum Corporation's Galkynysh Gas Field.

Xi arrived at the airport of Mary Province where the gas field is located. Joined by the Turkmen President, Xi was warmly welcomed by the workers and local residents.

The two leaders visited the Number 1 gas-processing plant and were given a presentation on the project model. After the visit, the Chinese president made a speech, calling the gas field an example of successful energy cooperation between the two countries.

Xi added that the China and Turkmenistan had made great leaps in their energy cooperation in recent years, which is in line with the fundamental interests of both countries.

He also stressed that China and Turkmenistan's strategic partnership has offered opportunities for deepening energy cooperation that will benefit the people of both countries.

The Turkmen President echoed Xi. He said Turkmenistan wished to deepen cooperation with China in natural gas exploration and transportation.

The two leaders later pressed two symbolic ignition buttons to start flares at the plant. They also visited two other gas processing plants. The Galkynysh Gas Field is the world's second largest gas field. It is also a important export base for Turkmenistan.

(CNTV.cn September 4, 2013)