Hero-Arkadag Holds High-Level Talks with Chinese First Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang
Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: On April 16, 2026, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a high-level meeting with Ding Xuexiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and First Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, who arrived in Turkmenistan on an official visit at the instruction of Xi Jinping.
Welcoming the visiting delegation, Berdimuhamedov подчеркed that the visit reflects the strong and growing partnership between Turkmenistan and China, describing it as a significant milestone in bilateral relations. He noted that the engagement underscores the high level of mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries.
Ding Xuexiang expressed appreciation for the warm reception and conveyed greetings from President Xi Jinping, reaffirming China’s commitment to deepening its comprehensive partnership with Turkmenistan. He highlighted that bilateral ties serve as a model of effective interstate cooperation and commended Berdimuhamedov’s role in advancing strategic engagement.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized their alignment on key international issues and noted close coordination within major multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations and the “Central Asia–China” cooperation format. The leaders underscored that sustained high-level dialogue continues to strengthen political trust and facilitate broader cooperation.
The discussion covered a wide spectrum of collaboration areas, including political and diplomatic engagement, trade and economic ties, fuel and energy cooperation, transport and logistics, industrial development, high technology, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
Energy cooperation remained a central pillar of the partnership, with both sides highlighting the strategic importance of the Turkmenistan–China gas pipeline. The meeting also noted plans for a new phase of development at the Galkynysh Gas Field in collaboration with the China National Petroleum Corporation, reinforcing long-term energy cooperation.
Ding Xuexiang expressed gratitude for the favorable investment climate provided to Chinese enterprises in Turkmenistan, which has enabled effective implementation of joint projects.
The two sides also explored expanding cooperation in transport and logistics, aligning Turkmenistan’s initiative to revive the Great Silk Road with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. They noted growing collaboration in sectors such as textiles, agriculture, and advanced technologies.
Berdimuhamedov further highlighted the importance of China’s global initiatives in security, development, civilization, and governance, acknowledging their role in shaping international cooperation frameworks.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both leaders expressed confidence in the continued expansion of Turkmen-Chinese relations across multiple sectors and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic ties for mutual benefit.
