On 17 April, in the presence of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and First Deputy Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Ding Xuexiang, a ceremony was held to mark the start of work on drilling production wells and constructing a commercial gas processing plant with a capacity of 10 billion cubic metres per year as part of the fourth phase of development of the ‘Galkynysh’ gas field. This was reported by the state news agency TDH.

In the morning, Hero Arkadag arrived at the capital’s International Airport, from where the National Leader of the Turkmen people’s airliner took off for the Mary velayat. Shortly afterwards, Hero Arkadag’s aircraft landed at Mary International Airport. He then travelled by helicopter to the venue of the launch ceremony for the fourth phase of the field’s development, located in the Yoloten etrap.

Ding Xuexiang’s plane also landed at Mary Airport, after which the Chinese delegation proceeded to the venue of the celebrations. An atmosphere of great enthusiasm prevailed at the ceremony site. Hero Arkadag was warmly welcomed by the participants and greeted the Head of the Chinese delegation. The celebration was accompanied by a literary and musical performance reflecting the long history of Turkmen-Chinese relations.

The delegations viewed an exhibition featuring examples of national decorative and applied arts, costumes, jewellery and paintings. The exhibition showcased Turkmenistan’s historical heritage and modern achievements. The displayed examples of machinery and equipment highlighted the introduction of innovative technologies and compliance with international standards of industrial production.

During the meeting, Hero Arkadag noted the strategic importance of the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ development programme for the development of the country’s energy sector and the strengthening of international cooperation. The importance of the partnership with China was highlighted as one of the key areas of Turkmenistan’s foreign economic strategy. Joint projects in the oil and gas sector are seen as a factor in the long-term strengthening of bilateral relations.

A representative of the Chinese side noted the strategic importance of the cooperation and expressed confidence in the successful implementation of the new phase of the project.

Following the speeches, the drilling rig was launched, and a ceremony was held to lay the foundation stone and mark the start of construction of the new facility. At the conclusion of the event, a celebratory sadaqah was held. Afterwards, Ding Xuexiang departed for China, whilst Hero Arkadag returned to Ashgabat.

Thus, the fourth phase of the ‘Galkynysh’ field development forms a long-term foundation for strengthening Turkmenistan’s energy independence, expanding export routes and the country’s industrial development, whilst contributing to the sustainable economic growth of the entire region.