Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag, and First Deputy Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Ding Xuexiang, attended the launch ceremony for the fourth stage of the Galkynyş gas field development on April 17, TDH reports.

The ceremony took place at the Galkynysh field, located in the Yoloten district of the Mary region.

Hero-Arkadag and the guest of honor toured the exhibition organized for the occasion. The exhibition features a model of a commercial gas production plant, well drilling equipment, geophysical instruments, a 3D robotic welding machine, a robotic inspector, specialized vehicles, and other equipment that will be used in the implementation of the fourth phase of the Galkynysh field development.

In his welcoming speech, Hero-Arkadag noted that the major joint projects being implemented by Turkmenistan and China are tangible evidence of both countries' confidence in the future, as these activities are driven by a commitment to close, long-term cooperation.

"Their effective practical implementation meets not only the interests of both countries but also the development goals of Central Asia as a whole. Based on this position, our country sees China as a strategic partner, including in the oil and gas industry. This format of cooperation, which has been developing very successfully and constructively in recent years, is a key factor in strengthening mutually beneficial Turkmen-Chinese relations," Hero-Arkadag emphasized.

As noted, the commissioning of the Turkmenistan-China transnational gas pipeline in 2009 was a significant milestone in this direction.

Geroy-Arkadag emphasized that the industrial development of Galkynysh, one of the world's largest natural gas reserves, plays a significant role in the successful implementation of Turkmenistan's energy strategy and the strengthening of its export-oriented raw material base.

"Today, as part of the fourth phase of its development, we are launching construction of a facility for the treatment of 10 billion cubic meters of marketable gas per year and production wells for the same volume of gas production. The construction of the facility will be carried out by the China National Petroleum Corporation, acting as the general contractor for the State Concern Turkmengas," said Hero-Arkadag.

He emphasized that the implementation of such a significant project encompasses the entire work cycle, from the construction of gas wells to the construction of gas collection, purification, and processing facilities, gas pipelines, external supply networks, and residential and public buildings. Upon completion, 1,041 jobs will be created.

Ding Xuexiang noted that the launch of Phase IV of the Galkynysh field development project is a significant milestone in deepening cooperation between China and Turkmenistan, including strengthening cooperation in the gas sector. This important project, launched today, will serve the shared interests of our peoples and elevate our bilateral partnership in the gas sector to a qualitatively new level.

The guest reaffirmed China's commitment to fruitful cooperation with Turkmenistan and the consistent deepening of interstate relations for the well-being of the peoples of both countries and the strengthening of sustainable development in the region.

Turkmen and Chinese specialists digitally appealed to Hero-Arkadag to initiate drilling of the first gas well as part of Phase IV of the Galkynysh field development. The drilling rig was then set in motion.

Hero-Arkadag and the head of the Chinese delegation lowered a capsule containing a commemorative inscription into the foundation of the future facility and laid the first shovels of concrete, officially launching construction.

Thus, the implementation of Phase IV of the Galkynysh gas field development will contribute to the formation of a strategic foundation for strengthening the country's energy independence. In the long term, this project will become a powerful driving force for Turkmenistan's industrial development and will also make a significant contribution to the region's sustainable economic progress.