On 16 April, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, received Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and First Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, who had arrived on a visit at the behest of Chinese President Xi Jinping. This was reported by the state news agency TDH.

Ding Xuexiang conveyed greetings from Xi Jinping to the Head of State and noted the importance of the strategic partnership with Turkmenistan. The President of Turkmenistan returned the greetings and emphasised that the country appreciates the Chinese leadership’s attention to bilateral cooperation.

The parties noted that cooperation is based on the principles of trust, respect and consideration of interests. This enables the implementation of joint projects and the strengthening of the strategic partnership. The role of the Turkmen-Chinese Inter-governmental Committee on Cooperation was highlighted separately. The President wished the committee success in holding its next meeting.

During the meeting, key areas of cooperation were discussed – the economy, culture, science and education. The fuel and energy sector remains the main focus. This year, the countries are marking the 20th anniversary of their gas cooperation.

The Head of State announced plans to launch the fourth phase of development of the ‘Galkynysh’ field in the Mary velayat. He also noted the importance of regular political dialogue and recalled previous high-level visits.

The parties reaffirmed their effective cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and their mutual support for international initiatives. The ‘Central Asia–China’ framework and the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative were cited as significant platforms. The potential for cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere was noted, including projects to preserve historical heritage.

The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that the development of relations with China remains a priority of the country’s foreign policy. Following the meeting, the parties expressed confidence in the further expansion of the Turkmen-Chinese strategic partnership.