On 6 November, the 12th ‘China– Central Asia’ Cooperation Forum was held in Urumqi (China), bringing together high-level representatives from five countries in the region and international organisations. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan.

The programme included a plenary session, four thematic sessions on economics, trade, education, poverty reduction and women's issues, as well as an exhibition of cooperation achievements. The motto of the forum was ‘Promoting the China-Central Asia Spirit and Advancing Common Modernisation.’

The Turkmenistan delegation, which included diplomats and representatives of ministries and the Women's Union, actively participated in the event. At the opening of the forum, Parahat Durdyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the People's Republic of China, emphasised the country's strategic priorities in trade and economic cooperation, transport infrastructure development, industrial projects and attracting foreign investment.

The Diplomat paid particular attention to Turkmenistan's role as a transit country in transregional projects and its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and national socio-economic development programmes.

During the forum, participants discussed the expansion of trade and economic cooperation, transport, logistics and energy projects, investments in industry and infrastructure, as well as initiatives in the fields of education, culture, digitalisation and the ‘green’ economy.

Participants agreed to deepen practical cooperation, strengthen regional connectivity and build a close ‘China– Central Asia’ community, focusing on trade, sustainable development and security.