Turkmen National Leader Berdimuhamedov Holds Talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: On March 18, 2026, during the friendly visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to the People’s Republic of China, an official meeting was held with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The meeting commenced with an official photo ceremony in front of the national flags of both countries, followed by high-level negotiations between the two leaders.
Welcoming the distinguished guest, President Xi Jinping expressed appreciation for Berdimuhamedov’s acceptance of the invitation and described the visit as a vivid symbol of enduring friendship and comprehensive cooperation between China and Turkmenistan. He also conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and extended congratulations on the upcoming Nowruz holiday. Notably, President Xi highlighted the symbolic significance of the coincidence of Nowruz with the concluding day of the Chinese New Year.
In response, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed that the meeting reflects the strong ties of friendship, mutual respect, and partnership between the two nations. He also conveyed greetings from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Both sides expressed confidence in further strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation across multiple sectors. President Xi Jinping commended Turkmenistan’s constructive initiatives at the United Nations aimed at promoting global peace and sustainable development, reaffirming China’s consistent support for these efforts.
Highlighting the importance of mutually beneficial cooperation, Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan and China are advancing together along a path of partnership and development. He also congratulated the Chinese leadership and people on the successful convening of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
President Xi Jinping described Turkmenistan as a reliable partner in Central Asia and reiterated China’s strong support for Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality. Berdimuhamedov, in turn, affirmed Turkmenistan’s continued backing of China’s global initiatives related to security, development, civilization, and governance.
In the economic sphere, particular emphasis was placed on cooperation in the fuel and energy sector, including joint projects to develop the Galkynysh gas field. Both sides also underscored the potential of aligning Turkmenistan’s “Revival of the Great Silk Road” strategy with China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative to enhance transport and logistics connectivity.
The discussions further covered cooperation in cultural and humanitarian fields, with both leaders highlighting the importance of science and education. President Xi expressed interest in expanding joint programs, including the establishment of “Lu Ban workshops” and a center for traditional Chinese medicine in Turkmenistan.
Additionally, China signaled readiness to deepen collaboration in education, intellectual property, agriculture, and horse breeding. President Xi noted the high quality and environmental sustainability of Turkmen agricultural products and emphasized opportunities for cooperation in advanced equipment supply, water-saving technologies, and green energy.
During the meeting, Berdimuhamedov delivered an invitation from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for President Xi Jinping to visit Turkmenistan at a convenient time.
At the conclusion of the talks, both leaders expressed confidence that Turkmen-Chinese relations—rooted in the legacy of the ancient Silk Road—will continue to expand across diverse areas for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
Following the meeting, the leaders took a friendly walk and participated in a gift exchange ceremony. On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, Berdimuhamedov presented President Xi Jinping with a distinguished Akhal-Teke horse named “Gadyrly,” a gesture warmly received by the Chinese leader, who noted the high esteem for this breed in China.
The friendly visit of the National Leader of Turkmenistan to China is ongoing.
