President of Turkmenistan Takes Part in SCO Summit in Tianjin

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who is on a working visit to the People’s Republic of China, participated in the Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The high-level meeting, chaired by President of China Xi Jinping, brought together heads of state and government from SCO member countries, observer states, and dialogue partners, as well as leaders of major international organizations.

Opening the Summit, President Xi Jinping expressed gratitude to all participants for attending and highlighted the importance of the “SCO+” format. He underscored that the discussions would focus on ensuring peace, sustainable development, and prosperity in the region, expressing confidence in the productivity of the meeting.

In his address, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov extended his sincere thanks to President Xi Jinping for the invitation, warm hospitality, and excellent working conditions. He emphasized that Turkmenistan’s participation in SCO summits as an honored guest had become a long-standing and positive tradition.

The Turkmen leader praised the constructive role of the SCO in global processes and its contribution to fostering a just and balanced world order. During the meeting, President Xi Jinping presented the Global Governance Initiative, a new international proposal that aligns with Turkmenistan’s vision of strengthening global cooperation based on equality, justice, and mutual respect. President Berdimuhamedov welcomed the initiative and expressed readiness to cooperate on its implementation.

Highlighting Turkmenistan’s neutral foreign policy, President Berdimuhamedov noted the consistent support of SCO member states for UN General Assembly resolutions initiated by Turkmenistan. He also drew attention to the upcoming 30th anniversary of the international recognition of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, to be celebrated on December 12, and invited SCO delegations to take part in the celebrations in Ashgabat.

Focusing on economic cooperation, the Turkmen leader identified transport and logistics, communications, energy, trade, and production as priority areas. He stressed the importance of building logistics corridors along the East-West and North-South routes, including the Trans-Caspian and Caspian routes, which would create an integrated geo-economic space linking the Pacific Ocean to the Baltic Sea.

President Berdimuhamedov underlined the strategic potential of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport and expressed readiness for practical dialogue on its use in the interests of SCO countries. He also proposed initiating cooperation in shipbuilding and reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to increase natural gas exports to SCO partners.

The President further emphasized the significance of humanitarian cooperation, including cultural, scientific, and educational exchanges, as well as broader ties in the social sphere.

Concluding his remarks, President Berdimuhamedov reiterated Turkmenistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the SCO based on friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual trust, once again thanking President Xi Jinping for the invitation to the Summit.

The Summit also discussed priority issues of cooperation, including economic development, energy, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, as well as innovation and high technologies. At the conclusion of the meeting, President Xi Jinping expressed appreciation for President Berdimuhamedov’s meaningful speech and valuable contributions to the discussions.

The working visit of the President of Turkmenistan to the People’s Republic of China continues.