President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the second Central Asia-China Summit

On June 17, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov paid a working visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan to participate in the second Central Asia–China Summit.

In the foreign policy strategy of our country, the foundation of which was laid by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, in the modern era successfully implemented under the wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, a special place is given to bilateral and multilateral relations with the People's Republic of China. A clear evidence of this is the participation of Turkmenistan in the second Central Asia-China Summit.

As is known, the first summit in this format was held in Xi'an (China) in May 2023. In this regard, it should be noted that, speaking at the Summit, the head of state voiced a number of proposals for the further development of regional cooperation in various areas through joint coordination of actions.

Turkmenistan puts forward constructive initiatives to develop solutions to important issues on the regional and global agenda, and makes a significant contribution to the consolidation of efforts to expand partnership for the sake of universal well-being.

Cooperation between the Central Asian countries and China represents a unique combination of cultures, economies and strategic interests. In recent years, regional relations have intensified, opening up new horizons for increased cooperation in various fields.

China is one of the main partners of the Central Asian states. Investment projects implemented by China jointly with the countries of the region in the energy and infrastructure sectors contribute to economic development.

Energy cooperation between China and the countries of the region, which have huge reserves of natural resources, in particular joint projects in the field of production and export of hydrocarbon raw materials, serve as an important component for strengthening mutually beneficial relations. One of the striking examples of effective cooperation in this area is the transnational gas pipeline Turkmenistan-China, which runs through the territories of the Central Asian countries.

One of the priority vectors of the six-party partnership is the transport and logistics sector. In this regard, it should be noted that the main objectives of Turkmenistan's initiative "Revival of the Great Silk Road" are consistent with China's strategy "One Belt, One Road", which are aimed at ensuring economic development, modernizing specialized infrastructure and deepening cultural ties between peoples.

Throughout history, the Great Silk Road united the East and the West, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultures. In the modern period, our country aims to revive this historical heritage, focusing on the importance of transport corridors and logistics for the economic development of the entire region.

Along with this, cultural and humanitarian relations are an integral part of cooperation between the countries of the region and China.

…At the capital’s International Airport, the head of state was seen off by officials.

Some time later, the presidential plane landed at the Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana.

At the airport, decorated with the national flags of the countries participating in the Central Asia-China Summit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was met by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov and other officials of the friendly state, as well as members of the delegation of Turkmenistan.

Along the carpet leading from the plane's steps, the Guard of Honor was lined up. In keeping with the age-old traditions of hospitality, the head of state was presented with bouquets of flowers.

Before the Summit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a bilateral meeting with Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping.

In the afternoon, the head of state’s motorcade headed to the venue of the high-level meeting – the Independence Palace.

At the main entrance of the Palace of the President of Turkmenistan, the Kazakh leader warmly welcomed.

After the traditional joint photo ceremony, the heads of delegations headed to the conference hall, where the second Central Asia-China Summit took place.

The summit, chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was also attended by the Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The agenda of the Summit included issues of strengthening regional cooperation, expanding political dialogue, deepening trade and economic relations and interaction in the areas of transport, energy and innovation.

Welcoming the Summit participants, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the heads of delegations for their participation in the high-level meeting and their continued support for regional cooperation.

As the Kazakh leader noted, thanks to trusting relationships and joint efforts, a unique partnership model has been formed, based on the principles of good neighborliness, friendship and mutual support.

The floor was then given to the Summit participants.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, on behalf of the delegation of Turkmenistan, thanked the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the warm welcome and hospitality, and noted that the current meeting is intended to consolidate, continue and develop the important ideas and proposals presented at the previous Summit in Xi'an and the Xi'an Declaration adopted as a result.

As emphasized, the Central Asian states and China act as the most important participants in continental and regional processes. Cooperation in the political and diplomatic sphere has a constructive impact on the entire geopolitical landscape in Asia, and contributes to the creation of prerequisites for sustainable and long-term peace, stability and security.

This format of partnership requires the existence of systemic mechanisms for exchanging opinions, interaction and coordination between foreign policy departments, and the adoption of well-considered diplomatic steps at major international venues and forums, primarily in the United Nations and in a number of regional structures.

In the sphere of foreign policy, taking into account the current global situation, it was proposed to pay the closest attention to Turkmenistan's initiative to develop a Global Security Strategy under the auspices of the UN. I believe that the political, legal and ideological foundations of this document that we presented correspond to the conceptual approaches and views of the participants in our format on the future development and prospects of global processes, the head of state emphasized. In particular, we are talking about the role of developing countries in them, the use of preventive diplomacy tools, principles of neutrality, and other peacekeeping and negotiation platforms. In this regard, during the upcoming anniversary session of the UN General Assembly, it was proposed to initiate a consultation process within this format to develop a Global Security Strategy and discuss its key provisions.

"We believe it would be appropriate to begin this work with partners in the Asian Group, implying further expansion of the number of participants in the consultations. We would be grateful for support for this proposal," said President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

As emphasized, Turkmenistan sees extensive prospects for activating and expanding cooperation between Central Asia and China in the transport sector. Turkmenistan's strategy "Revival of the Great Silk Road" envisages a key role for Central Asian countries. In our opinion, its combination with China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative promotes the rapprochement and application of national transport and logistics capabilities in the common interests. Our countries are objectively destined to play a key role in this global undertaking. Today, not only the conditions are maturing, but also the need to combine efforts, mobilize resources to create a modern, reliable and comprehensive transport and logistics system covering the territories of the Asia-Pacific region, South and Central Asia, the Middle and Near East.

In the energy sector, Turkmenistan also advocates for expanding cooperation within this format and sees serious prerequisites for this, the head of state continued, confirming his readiness to discuss issues of diversifying supplies of Turkmen natural gas.

The most important component of the energy component of cooperation is electric power. Here, Turkmenistan also advocates for expanding the geography and volumes of electricity supplies.

As noted, the stimulation of trade and commerce and the creation of joint ventures of various profiles play a key role in the joint economic prosperity of the countries of Central Asia and China.

Speaking about innovative cooperation, the head of state noted that our country expects 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 line of software, and a number of other technological segments can significantly increase the effectiveness of joint economic cooperation. On the other hand, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence in promoting the creation of a sustainable market for technological services in Central Asia, the exchange of specialists and methods, and the accelerated development of national technological schools, which will certainly be used in the long term for mutual interests and benefits, emphasizing that this strategic task is an investment in the future of relations between Central Asia and the People's Republic of China within the framework of a large project of joint development and progress.

High spirituality, great centuries-old culture, true values - all this forms the basis and unshakable foundation of cooperation, historical and current closeness, mutual understanding and sympathy of the peoples of Central Asia and China.

In this regard, the head of state suggested that the participants consider organizing joint thematic festivals of culture and arts on a permanent basis, which would be held in turn in the countries participating in the Summit and, based on this, discuss the initiative to form a new platform for interaction in the field of culture, namely, the "Cultural Dialogue of Central Asia and China". As was emphasized, in the event of a fundamental agreement between the heads of state, it would be possible to give relevant instructions to the relevant departments to develop the modalities of such a platform.

As noted, by decision of the UN General Assembly, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, 2025 was declared the “International Year of Peace and Trust”.

Expressing confidence in the continuation of an interested dialogue between our countries on the most important topics of the modern world order, on ways to solve existing global problems, achieve agreement and understanding in the global arena during a major International Forum scheduled for December of this year in Ashgabat dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, 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 confirmed our country’s firm and unwavering commitment to the closest possible cooperation in the “Central Asia-China” format, expressing confidence in the enormous opportunities it opens up for our peoples and states in the matter of joint development, peace and

prosperity.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov also thanked the Secretary General of the Secretariat of the Central Asia-China format Sun Weidong for his contribution to the successful holding of the current Summit.

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to the head of Turkmenistan for his deeply meaningful speech and constructive proposals.

As noted in the speeches, today Central Asia, which has enormous reserves of natural resources, is strengthening its position as an important subject of international relations and trade, economic, investment and humanitarian cooperation.

It was stated that currently the relations between the countries of the region and China, which include various spheres, have reached a qualitatively new level. At the same time, special attention is paid to the implementation of projects jointly with China, expansion of the range and increase in the volume of mutual trade turnover, creation of high-tech industries. At the same time, priority is given to partnership in the agricultural sector, including the introduction of advanced agricultural technologies and efficient water-saving

developments.

The Summit participants noted the importance of strengthening regional energy security and diversifying energy sources.

It was also emphasized that the transport and communications sector is one of the dynamically developing industries. Currently, Central Asia is a key logistics hub linking the largest regions of Europe and Asia. In this context, it was discussed the feasibility of strengthening transcontinental transport interconnectivity and the fullest realization of the advantages of the region, which has a favorable geographical location.

Having noted with satisfaction the focus of the current meeting on strengthening good-neighborliness and mutually beneficial cooperation, the Summit participants expressed confidence that the proposals and initiatives put forward will serve as a solid foundation for strengthening the bonds of friendship and further developing strategic cooperation between the countries.

Central Asia and China.

Following the Summit, the Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighbourliness, 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 were signed, and the Initiative to Create Favorable Conditions for Mutual Travel of Citizens within the Framework of the Central Asia-China Format was adopted.

Following the signing ceremony, the opening of the Cooperation Center in the “Central Asia–China” format was announced and a corresponding video was shown.

Also, within the framework of the high-level meeting, an Agreement was announced between the Khyakimlik of the Ahal Velayat (Turkmenistan) and the People's Government of Shaanxi Province (People's Republic of China) on the establishment of sister city relations between the Ahal Velayat and Shaanxi Province.

Having completed the program of his working visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived at the Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana, from where he departed for his homeland.

Some time later, the presidential plane landed at the International Airport of the Turkmen capital. Here, the head of state was warmly welcomed by officials.

Thus, the current summit demonstrated the commitment of the Central Asian countries and China to further development of mutually beneficial cooperation, and the practical implementation of the agreements reached following the Summit is designed to help ensure long-term universal well-being and sustainable development.

Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan