enabling environment to speed up the implementation of the cooperation projects agreed between them, and ensure that the China-Turkmenistan natural gas pipeline will be completed as scheduled. The two sides will further improve the legal basis for economic cooperation and trade, explore the potential as well as new areas and models of cooperation, and upgrade China-Turkmenistan practical cooperation to a new level.

10. The two sides will, on the basis of their respective laws, create favorable conditions for the investment, trade, and economic and technological cooperation conducted in one country by individuals, companies and other economic entities of the other country, and take effective measures to protect the personal safety, property and other lawful rights and interests of the nationals of the other country.

11. The two sides will continue to promote people-to-people exchanges and contacts, expand cooperation in culture, art, sport, education, news media, public health, tourism and other fields, and strengthen cooperation in language teaching, mutual dispatching of students and exchange of visits of education groups.

12. Both sides held that Central Asian countries have their unique historical and cultural traditions, and that the international community should respect the development path chosen by the people of the Central Asian countries in light of their respective national conditions. To uphold stability and peace in Central Asia and promote the development and prosperity of the economy of Central Asian countries conforms to the shared aspirations of people of all countries in the region. China applauded the efforts made by Turkmenistan in promoting security, stability and development of Central Asia.

13. The two sides stressed that they will further strengthen cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks, continue to enhance consultation and deepen coordination on international and regional affairs, and create a favorable international environment for the development of the two countries. China spoke highly of the work done by Turkmenistan for the establishment of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia (UNRCCA), and will continue to support and cooperate with the Center in carrying out its work.

Hu Jintao

President

The People's Republic of China

Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow

President

Turkmenistan

(http://www.fmprc.gov.cn)