On 17 March 2026, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, departed for a friendly visit to the PRC, the state news agency TDH reports.
Prior to his departure for Beijing at Ashgabat International Airport, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with the leaders of the country’s political parties and public organizations.
The National Leader of the Turkmen People noted that in recent years, cooperation between Turkmenistan and the People’s Republic of China has reached a qualitatively new level.
Berdimuhamedov emphasized China’s global initiatives regarding security, civilization, development, and governance, which align in substance with Turkmenistan’s own initiatives, such as “Peace through Development,” “Dialogue is a Guarantee of Peace,” and efforts to revive the Great Silk Road.
Furthermore, Arkadag highlighted the actively developing cultural and humanitarian cooperation, noting that thousands of Turkmen students are currently enrolled in Chinese higher education institutions.
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“Today, Turkmen-Chinese relations serve as a model of strategic partnership based on mutual respect, equality, and deep economic integration”, TDH writes in a commentary regarding the current visit.
On the international stage, Turkmenistan and China coordinate their efforts within major international organizations, such as the UN, and through the “Central Asia–China” format. Both nations advocate for the peaceful resolution of all conflicts, demonstrating a convergence of views on key issues of the global agenda.
Energy cooperation serves as a solid foundation for bilateral relations. The transnational Turkmenistan–China gas pipeline ensures a stable export of natural gas to the PRC. “This project not only strengthens China’s energy security but also allows our country to diversify its economy,” TDH emphasizes.
By aligning Turkmenistan’s strategy for the revival of the Great Silk Road with China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, the transport and logistics sector opens new avenues for collaboration.
China remains one of Turkmenistan’s largest trade and economic partners. Partnership has intensified in the textile industry, agriculture, and high-tech sectors. Leading Chinese technology companies are actively involved in projects to develop communication systems in Turkmenistan. This partnership facilitates the introduction of innovative solutions into “smart city” management systems and industrial production.
Earlier, the Chinese foreign ministry reported that the visit will last from 17 to 19 March 2026. ///nCa, 18 March 2026