National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov gave an interview to CGTN host He Yanke during a goodwill visit to China, official Turkmen media reported Friday.
When asked about Turkmen-Chinese bilateral cooperation, Berdimuhamedov noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a number of cooperation agreements have been signed.
He emphasized that the countries collaborate in the oil and gas sector, the agro-industrial complex, foreign policy, trade and economic relations, transport and logistics, science and education, as well as cultural and humanitarian spheres. He added that since 2007, trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China has increased twentyfold.
Berdimuhamedov also expressed Turkmenistan’s readiness for close cooperation in urban development and the creation of modern “smart city” systems, noting that China is recognized as a global leader in this field. He said cooperation would also cover high technology, telecommunications, and space exploration.
On energy cooperation, Berdimuhamedov reported that as of March 1, 2026, approximately 460 billion cubic meters of natural gas had been supplied to China via the Turkmenistan–China gas pipeline. He said both sides are working to increase annual supplies to 65 billion cubic meters.
Regarding cultural and humanitarian ties, he said discussions are underway on opening Turkmen cultural centers in China and Chinese cultural centers in Turkmenistan.
Commenting on the current global situation, Berdimuhamedov described it as complex but expressed confidence in opportunities to normalize the situation, resolve conflicts, and move toward civil dialogue. He also stressed the importance of using the tools and capabilities of the United Nations.
Berdimuhamedov underscored that, as a neutral state, Turkmenistan does not intervene in conflicts and does not support the use of force in international relations.
At the end of the interview, He Yanke asked Berdimuhamedov to leave a message in CGTN’s Book of Honor. He did so, expressing confidence in the further comprehensive development of bilateral relations between the two countries.
