A solemn ceremony for the establishment of the Secretariat of the “Central Asia - China” format took place in the city of Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China. The event was attended by Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, the leadership of Shaanxi province and ambassadors of Central Asian countries, reports the press service of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Sun Weidong congratulated those present on the opening of the temporary Secretariat and read out a congratulatory message from the head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. He emphasized the importance of strengthening comprehensive relations between China and the states of Central Asia.

The creation of a permanent Secretariat was agreed upon at the First Summit of Heads of State of the “Central Asia-China” format in May 2023. The heads of delegations read out greeting messages from the foreign ministers of their countries. The message of the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan noted the readiness to contribute to the development of partnership within this format.

Wu Yingqin was appointed executive director of the temporary Secretariat. According to a previously reached agreement, the first Secretary General of the Format will be a representative of the Chinese side after the signing of the constituent documents.

During the visit, the delegation of Turkmenistan held meetings with the leadership of Shaanxi province to strengthen interregional cooperation.