On 18 March 2026, in Beijing, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, met with Dai Houliang, Chairman of the Board of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), as part of a friendly visit to China, according to the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH).
During an exchange of views on the current state of energy cooperation, Arkadag Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed the intent to continue the partnership with CNPC. Cooperation in the fuel and energy sector remains one of the priority areas of bilateral relations. In this regard, the vital role of CNPC as a reliable partner of Turkmenistan in the oil and gas industry was emphasized.
Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of cooperation between Turkmenistan and CNPC, Berdimuhamedov proposed holding an international scientific and practical conference to commemorate this significant date.
One prominent example of the energy cooperation is the Turkmenistan–China gas pipeline project. In this context, the importance of the agreements reached on the next stage of the Galkynysh field development was highlighted. The National Leader of Turkmenistan stated that the phased development of the Galkynysh field has enabled the creation of thousands of new jobs.
Speaking about regional projects, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov pointed out the strategic significance of the Serhetabat–Herat section of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) transnational gas pipeline.
For his part, Dai Houliang confirmed the readiness to further develop cooperation with Turkmenistan in the fuel and energy sphere, assuring that the corporation he leads will consistently maintain a responsible approach to fulfilling its partnership obligations.
Dai Houliang stated that CNPC will work closely with Turkmen partners to implement the important agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries, as noted in a CNPC press release.
“By leveraging the complementary advantages of resources and markets, the corporation aims to continuously consolidate existing cooperation and pursue breakthroughs in new areas. This will contribute further to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership, aligning the “Belt and Road” initiative with the “Revival of the Great Silk Road” strategy, and better serving the interests of both countries and their peoples,” the corporation emphasized.
The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of the PRC to Turkmenistan Ji Shumin, CNPC Vice Presidents Zhang Daowei and Song Dayong, General Counsel Zhao Ying, and Assistant President Li Qiang.
/// nCa, 19 March 2026