Amangeldiyev Sapargeldi speaking as a representative of the international students at the 19th Peking University International Culture Festival (ICF)

Peking University, January 10, 2023: Today marks the thirty-first anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Turkmenistan. We turn our camera on a Turkmen student in China pursuing his studies and his green energy dream. CGTN's Gou Tianqi reports.

Amangeldiyev Sapargeldi, a Ph.D. student at Peking University, says during an interview with CGTN that,  "I'm positive that I can achieve my green energy dream here in China."

The 25-year-old hails from Turkmenistan. He came to study in China in 2015 and is currently a PhD student majoring in energy and resources engineering at Peking University, one of China's top academies.

"What I'm focusing on right now is, one, how to make better use of carbon dioxide, and two, how to merge it with other renewable energy such as solar and wind power," he says.

Sapargeldi was inspired by a visit to China's National Speed Skating Oval, known as the Ice Ribbon, before the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. He says he was amazed by all the technologies hidden in every corner of the stadium, especially the essential role that carbon dioxide has played.

"To keep the ice frozen at a perfect temperature; to keep the audience seats warm; and also to provide both cold and hot water for the stadium, all of these were realized by the use of carbon dioxide," he highlights.

Sapargeldi says his interest in China sprouted in high school when he saw many Chinese students achieving outstanding scores in international academic competitions. He earned himself a ticket to study here thanks to his hard work, and a program under the Belt and Road Initiative. Now, he feels he's in the perfect place to develop his career.

"China is currently pursuing its goal to reach a carbon peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. China has advanced technologies, equipment and many talents. With contributions from young people, I believe China will achieve its goals."

Asked about his everyday life now, Sapargeldi says he fell in love with China in a heartbeat.

"It took me only half a year to realize that I love the food and many other aspects of life here in China. I like drinking hot tea all year round. Now Chinese is my second mother tongue and China is my second home," he says.

Turkmenistan ranks fourth globally for natural gas reserves, and energy cooperation has been a pillar in its strategic partnership with China. Trade between the two countries increased to 10 billion dollars in the first 11 months of 2022, a year-on-year rise of more than 50 percent.

"I hope the people of China and Turkmenistan can walk hand-in-hand down the road of development and prosperity, and that our friendship can last forever," he says.