In his speech at the SCO summit in the ‘SCO+’ format, which took place on 1 September in Tianjin, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined in detail the key areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the countries of the organisation. This was reported by the Orient news agency.

The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the importance of the SCO for continental and global processes, noting: ‘Turkmenistan has great respect for the SCO and closely and kindly monitors its activities. We note the constructive role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in continental and global processes, and its great contribution to the establishment of a fair and balanced system of the modern world order.’

Particular attention was paid in the speech to the Global Governance Initiative recently proposed by the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping. Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that this initiative is fully in line with Turkmenistan's conceptual vision of improving international relations: ‘This idea aligns with Turkmenistan’s conceptual vision of the process of further improving the architecture of international relations and their collective management based on the principles of equality, justice and mutual respect.’

The President of Turkmenistan highlighted the organisation's constructive position on Turkmenistan's foreign policy, including the country's neutrality and international initiatives: ‘It would be appropriate to note that the states that are now members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have supported and co-sponsored UN General Assembly resolutions on Turkmenistan’s neutrality, as well as a number of other UN decisions proposed by our country.’

Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised that the economy remains the main vector of Turkmenistan's relations with the SCO. Among the priority areas, he highlighted transport and logistics, communications, energy, trade and industrial cooperation: ‘The presence of an extensive resource base, the benefits of a geographical location, the dynamic development of industry and infrastructure, and the accumulated experience of cooperation – all this objectively contributes to economic rapprochement and joint development, the realization of combined potential.’

The President of Turkmenistan paid special attention to transport corridors. The Head of State emphasised the potential of Turkmenistan and the SCO countries as key links in the ‘East-West’ and ‘North-South’ logistics corridors: ‘The purposeful pooling of efforts and potentials, the mobilization of political, diplomatic and economic resources will mean a qualitatively new stage not only in the development of our cooperation.’  According to the Head of State, this creates conditions for the formation of a holistic geo-economic space.

The Head of Turkmenistan drew attention to the opportunities offered by the Trans-Caspian and Caspian routes: ‘I think our common task is to put them into practice. We see the Caspian corridors – vertically and horizontally – as a real chance to dramatically increase the efficiency and return on our economic and production capabilities, fully enter global markets.’

Serdar Berdimuhamedov also emphasised the importance of a favourable political and legal climate for transport on the Caspian Sea, which opens up new opportunities for trade and economic activity for the SCO countries.

Particular attention was paid to the port of Turkmenbashi and its potential: ‘Many SCO member states possess substantial industrial capacities and rich expertise in this field. Turkmenistan, too, is actively developing its national shipbuilding industry, and we are convinced that partnership in this area could yield significant mutual benefits.’

The President of Turkmenistan noted the opportunities for developing railway and road infrastructure, as well as the implementation of joint projects, including the construction of railways to Afghanistan, and confirmed his readiness to submit proposals for long-term cooperation.

In the field of communications, Turkmenistan, together with its partners, is laying fibre-optic communication lines through Afghanistan to Pakistan and is offering the SCO to participate in the expansion of these projects. In the energy sector, the Head of State emphasised Turkmenistan's readiness to increase supplies of natural gas and electricity: ‘At the same time, we are placing growing emphasis on the electric power industry. We remain open to discussing the practical aspects of electricity supply, including expanding both its directions and volumes.’

The President of Turkmenistan also noted the importance of industrial cooperation: ‘The positive dynamics of economic growth across our countries, the construction of new industrial facilities, and the expansion of the range of goods and services all underscore the need for deeper economic partnership.’

In the humanitarian sphere, the Head of State emphasised the importance of historical experience, shared values, loyalty to traditions, good neighbourliness and respect, noting that strengthening cultural, scientific, educational and social ties will always be of particular importance.

In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to practical steps to realise joint opportunities in the interests of common goals, strengthening friendship, good neighbourliness and trust, and thanked the President of the PRC for the invitation to the summit.