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President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the second Central Asia-China Summit
18.06.2025
57
Turkmenistan's foreign policy strategy, initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, and successfully implemented under the wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the modern era, places significant emphasis on bilateral and multilateral relations with the People's Republic of China. Turkmenistan's participation in the second "Central Asia-China" Summit serves as clear evidence of this commitment.
The first high-level meeting in this format took place in Xi'an, China, in May 2023. At that summit, the head of state put forth a series of proposals for the further development of regional cooperation across various areas through joint coordination.
Turkmenistan consistently advances constructive initiatives to address crucial regional and global agenda items, making a substantial contribution to collective efforts aimed at expanding partnerships for universal well-being.
Cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and China represents a unique blend of cultures, economies, and strategic interests. Regional relations have intensified in recent years, opening new avenues for enhancing interaction in various fields.
China stands as one of the primary partners for Central Asian states. Investment projects, jointly implemented by China and the region's countries in the energy and infrastructure sectors, contribute significantly to economic development.
Energy cooperation between China and the resource-rich nations of the region, particularly joint projects in the extraction and export of hydrocarbons, is a vital component in strengthening mutually beneficial relations. A prominent example of effective collaboration in this area is the transnational Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline, which traverses the territories of Central Asian countries.
The transport and logistics sector is a priority for this six-sided partnership. In this context, Turkmenistan's "Revival of the Great Silk Road" initiative aligns with China's "One Belt, One Road" strategy. Both initiatives aim to foster economic development, modernize relevant infrastructure, and deepen cultural ties between peoples.
Throughout history, the Great Silk Road connected East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultures. In the contemporary period, Turkmenistan aims to revive this historical legacy, emphasizing the importance of transport corridors and logistics for the economic development of the entire region.
Alongside this, cultural and humanitarian relations are an inseparable part of cooperation between the regional countries and China.
...Upon arrival at the capital's International Airport, the head of state was seen off by officials.
Shortly thereafter, the presidential airliner landed at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana.
At the airport, adorned with the national flags of the "Central Asia-China" Summit participating countries, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was greeted by Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov and other officials from the friendly nation, as well as members of the Turkmenistan delegation.
Along the red carpet leading from the aircraft's gangway, soldiers of the Guard of Honor were lined up. In accordance with ancient traditions of hospitality, bouquets of flowers were presented to the head of state.
Before the start of the Summit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a bilateral meeting with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping.
In the afternoon, the head of state's motorcade proceeded to the venue of the high-level meeting – the Palace of Independence.
At the main entrance of the Palace, the President of Turkmenistan was warmly welcomed by the Kazakh leader.
After the traditional joint photo ceremony, the heads of delegations proceeded to the conference hall where the second "Central Asia-China" Summit took place.
Summit Proceedings and Key Discussions
The high-level meeting, chaired by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was also attended by President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The Summit agenda included issues of strengthening regional cooperation, expanding political dialogue, deepening trade and economic relations, and interaction in the spheres of transport, energy, and innovation.
Greeting the Summit participants, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed sincere gratitude to the heads of delegations for participating in the high-level meeting and for their unwavering support for regional cooperation.
As noted by the Kazakh leader, thanks to trusting relations and joint efforts, a unique model of partnership has been formed, based on the principles of good neighborliness, friendship, and mutual support.
Subsequently, the floor was given to the Summit participants.
Turkmenistan's Proposals and Initiatives
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on behalf of the Turkmenistan delegation, thanked President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the warm welcome and hospitality. He noted that the current meeting is intended to solidify, continue, and develop the important ideas and proposals presented at the previous Summit in Xi'an and the Xi'an Declaration adopted following it.
It was emphasized that the Central Asian states and China are crucial participants in continental and regional processes. Cooperation in the political and diplomatic sphere constructively influences the entire geopolitical landscape in Asia, contributing to the creation of prerequisites for sustainable and long-term peace, stability, and security in the region.
This partnership format necessitates systematic mechanisms for exchanging views, interacting, and coordinating through foreign policy agencies, as well as taking well-considered diplomatic steps at major international platforms and forums, primarily within the United Nations and several regional structures.
In the realm of foreign policy, considering the current global situation, it was proposed to pay the closest attention to Turkmenistan's initiative for developing a Global Security Strategy under the auspices of the UN. "I believe the political, legal, and ideological foundations of this document, as presented by us, align with the conceptual approaches and views of our format's participants on the future development and prospects of global processes," the head of state emphasized. This refers, in particular, to the role of developing countries in these processes, the application of preventive diplomacy tools, the principles of neutrality, and other peacekeeping and negotiation platforms. In this regard, during the upcoming jubilee session of the UN General Assembly, it was proposed to initiate a consultation process within this format for developing a Global Security Strategy and discussing its key provisions.
"We deem it expedient to begin this work with partners in the Asian group, implying further expansion of the composition of consultations," said President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. "We would be grateful for support of this proposal."
It was underscored that Turkmenistan sees extensive prospects for invigorating and expanding Central Asia-China cooperation in the transport sector. Turkmenistan's "Revival of the Great Silk Road" strategy envisages a key role for Central Asian countries within it. Its synergy with China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative, in our view, facilitates the convergence and application of national transport and logistics capabilities for common interests. Our states are objectively destined for a key role in this global undertaking. Today, not only are the conditions maturing, but also the necessity of combining efforts and mobilizing resources to create a modern, reliable, and comprehensive transport and logistics system covering the territories of the Asia-Pacific region, South and Central Asia, and the Middle and Near East.
In the energy sector, Turkmenistan also advocates for expanded interaction within this format, seeing serious prerequisites for it, the head of state continued, reaffirming readiness to discuss issues of diversifying Turkmen natural gas supplies.
A crucial component of energy cooperation is electricity. Here, Turkmenistan also supports expanding the geography and volume of electricity supplies.
It was noted that stimulating trade and commerce and creating joint ventures of various profiles play a vital role in the shared economic prosperity of Central Asian countries and China.
Innovation, Culture, and Future Initiatives
Speaking about innovation cooperation, the head of state noted that Turkmenistan anticipates more focused attention to this area from Chinese partners. The launch of joint programs and projects in the application of artificial intelligence, satellite and space research, digitalization, information platforms, the entire range of software, and in several other technological segments can significantly enhance the effectiveness of joint economic cooperation. On the other hand, it can contribute to the creation of a sustainable market for technological services in Central Asia, the exchange of specialists and methodologies, and the accelerated development of national technological schools, which will undoubtedly be utilized for future mutual interests and benefits, expressed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, emphasizing that this strategic task is an investment in the future of Central Asia-China relations within the larger project of joint development and progress.
High spirituality, a great centuries-old culture, and true values – all of these form the basis and unshakeable foundation of cooperation, historical and current closeness, mutual understanding, and sympathy between the peoples of Central Asia and China.
In this regard, the head of state proposed that participants consider the permanent organization of joint thematic festivals of culture and arts, to be held alternately in the Summit's participating countries. Based on this, he suggested discussing the initiative of forming a new platform for cultural cooperation, namely, "Cultural Dialogue of Central Asia and China." It was emphasized that, in the event of principal agreement from the heads of state, relevant departments could be instructed to develop the modalities for such a platform.
It was noted that, by decision of the UN General Assembly, 2025 has been declared the "International Year of Peace and Trust" at Turkmenistan's initiative.
Expressing confidence in the continued engaged dialogue between our countries on critical topics of contemporary world order, on ways to resolve existing global problems, and to achieve consensus and understanding on the global arena during the major International Forum scheduled for December this year in Ashgabat, dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited all heads of state to participate in this significant event.
In conclusion, the head of Turkmenistan reaffirmed his country's firm and unwavering commitment to the closest cooperation within the "Central Asia-China" format, expressing conviction in the enormous opportunities it opens for our peoples and states in joint development, peace, and prosperity.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also thanked Sun Weidong, Secretary-General of the "Central Asia-China" format Secretariat, for his contribution to the successful holding of the current Summit.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to the head of Turkmenistan for his profoundly substantive speech and the constructive proposals put forth.
Joint Achievements and Future Directions
As noted in the speeches, Central Asia, possessing vast natural resources, is currently strengthening its position as an important subject of international relations and trade-economic, investment, and humanitarian cooperation.
It was affirmed that current ties between the regional countries and China, encompassing various spheres, have reached a qualitatively new level. Particular attention is being paid to implementing joint projects with China, expanding the range and increasing the volume of mutual trade, and establishing high-tech industries. At the same time, priority is given to partnership in the agricultural sector, including the introduction of advanced agricultural technologies and effective water-saving developments.
The Summit participants highlighted the importance of strengthening regional energy security and diversifying energy sources.
It was also stressed that the transport and communication sector is one of the dynamically developing industries. Currently, Central Asia is a key logistics hub connecting the largest regions of Europe and Asia. In this context, the expediency of strengthening transcontinental transport connectivity and fully realizing the advantages of the region's favorable geographical location was discussed.
Expressing satisfaction with the current meeting's focus on strengthening good neighborliness and mutually beneficial cooperation, the Summit participants expressed confidence that the proposals and initiatives put forward will serve as a strong foundation for cementing ties of friendship and further developing strategic interaction between the Central Asian countries and China.
Following the Summit, the following documents were signed: the Treaty on Eternal Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between Turkmenistan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Republic of Tajikistan; the Astana Declaration of the Second "Central Asia-China" Summit; and the Initiative on Creating Favorable Conditions for Mutual Travel of Citizens within the "Central Asia-China" Format.
After the document signing ceremony, the opening of the Central Asia-China Cooperation Center was announced, and a corresponding video was demonstrated.
Also, within the framework of the high-level meeting, an Agreement on Establishing Sister City Relations between the Akhal Velayat (Turkmenistan) and the People's Government of Shaanxi Province (People's Republic of China) was announced.
Having concluded his working visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana, from where he departed for his homeland.
After some time, the presidential airliner landed at the International Airport of the Turkmen capital. Here, the head of state was warmly welcomed by officials.
Thus, the current high-level meeting demonstrated the commitment of Central Asian countries and China to the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation. The practical implementation of the agreements reached at the Summit is intended to contribute to ensuring long-term universal well-being and sustainable development.
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