BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Turkmenistan should carry forward friendly tradition, firmly support each other, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

Wang made the remarks during a meeting with Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, who is accompanying National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on his visit to China.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that Berdimuhamedov is an old friend of the Chinese people.

The top leaders of the two countries share strong mutual trust and profound friendship, which provides important strategic guidance for the steady growth of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, Wang said, calling on both sides to advance China-Turkmenistan relations steadily along the correct path charted by the two heads of state.

Meredov extended congratulations on the successful convening of China's "two sessions." He expressed Turkmenistan's support for the four global initiatives proposed by China and its willingness to work with the Chinese side to jointly prepare for the third China-Central Asia Summit.

The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in Iran and other international and regional issues of mutual concern.  ■