President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, who was visiting Ashgabat.
During the meeting, Berdimuhamedov said further development of relations with China remains a priority of Turkmenistan’s foreign policy and emphasized the country’s commitment to expanding effective cooperation.
Turkmenistan’s official media reported Thursday that the president expressed confidence in the successful holding of the next meeting of the Turkmen-Chinese Intergovernmental Committee on Cooperation with the participation of the Chinese vice premier.
Berdimuhamedov said Turkmenistan plans to launch development of the fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field in the Mary region, adding that progress in this area is closely linked to active high-level political dialogue. The president also recalled a visit to China last year, as well as a recent visit by National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to China.
The sides noted effective cooperation between Turkmenistan and China within the United Nations and highlighted the importance of the Central Asia–China format and the Belt and Road Initiative as a foundation for strengthening regional cooperation.
During the meeting, the parties emphasized that centuries-old friendly ties, shared cultural and historical heritage, and spiritual values unite the Turkmen and Chinese peoples. They also noted significant potential for implementing joint projects aimed at preserving shared historical heritage and reaffirmed interest in further expanding cultural cooperation.
Following the meeting, Berdimuhamedov and Ding expressed confidence in the continued development of the Turkmen-Chinese strategic partnership across a wide range of areas for mutual benefit and exchanged best wishes.
