Today, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in the Summit on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relations establishment among China and the countries of Central Asia.
The top-level meeting, held online at the initiative of the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, was also attended by the Heads of other states of the Central Asian Region - President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
According to the State News Agency, China was the first country in the world Turkmenistan established diplomatic relations with at the dawn of its independence. And in September 2013, Turkmenistan and the People's Republic of China signed a Joint Declaration on the establishment of strategic partnership relations, bringing the traditional long-term cooperation to a qualitatively new level that meets mutual interests.
Welcoming the top-ranking participants of the Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping thanked his colleagues for accepting the invitation to participate in the current meeting and, taking the opportunity, congratulated them on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations among China and the Central Asian countries.
Then a special video demonstrated clearly showed the important milestones and achievements of China's constructive cooperation with the Central Asian states that has been successfully developing over these years.
Speaking at the Summit, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Turkmenistan considers the People's Republic of China and the countries of Central Asia as its key partners and like–minded people in the effective implementation of the new philosophy – "Dialogue is a guarantee of peace" in the international practice.
In his speech, the Head of Turkmenistan also touched upon a number of important topics. In particular, referring to security and stability issues, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed hope that China, as a neighboring state and as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, will continue supporting the efforts of the Central Asian countries to establish political, economic, social and other conditions required for the sustainable development of the Region.
The Turkmen leader urged his colleagues moving forward on the path of expanding and building up the energy partnership.
"In this regard, Turkmenistan is ready for a substantive discussion on increasing the volume of natural gas supplies to China through the construction of the 4th line of the pipe," Berdimuhamedov said.
The President of Turkmenistan also noted that the objective mutual interests allow the Central Asian countries and China to successfully building up partnership in the transport sector.
Speaking of strengthening cooperation importance in the humanitarian area, education and sports, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed the opinion that it is necessary to carefully assess the state of scientific and cultural ties.
In his speech, the Head of Turkmenistan emphasized that the joint fight against the spread of coronavirus and its consequences remains an urgent task.
"We believe that we could start setting up a mechanism for regular meetings among representatives of scientific and medical communities of our countries, epidemiological and sanitary services, and other relevant departments in the Central Asia-China format in the near future," the Head of Turkmenistan said, proposing holding the first such meeting this year.
Touching upon the topic of vaccination as a necessary condition for a complete victory over the coronavirus, Berdimuhamedov expressed hope for the successful continuation of the established cooperation in this matter with the Chinese party.
Addressing Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that China will host the Winter Olympic Games very soon. Expressing confidence that they will be held at the highest level and will become a real celebration of sports, peace and friendship for millions of people around the world, the Head of Turkmenistan wished Chinese friends success in hosting the upcoming Olympics.
Xi Jinping thanked President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for his informative speech, congratulations on the opening of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, as well as useful ideas and proposals voiced at the Summit.
At the end of the speech delivered by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Heads of states adopted a Joint Statement on the results of the Online Summit.
