On 18 March 2026, an official meeting took place in Beijing between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, according to the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH).
At the beginning of the meeting, President Xi Jinping extended his greetings to the President of Turkmenistan.
Congratulating both the National Leader Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the Nowruz holiday, Xi Jinping noted that today also marks the final day of the Chinese New Year. He emphasized that the coincidence of these two celebrations holds special symbolic meaning and significance.
During the discussions, it was noted that both countries continue to coordinate their efforts within authoritative international organizations, such as the UN, and through the “Central Asia – China” format.
Relations between Turkmenistan and China are advancing to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, gaining new substance. This cooperation spans a wide range of areas, including foreign policy, economy and trade, culture, science, education, and inter-parliamentary dialogue.
The sides expressed mutual support on the international political stage. President Xi Jinping noted the importance of the initiatives put forward by Turkmenistan within the UN framework and emphasized that China highly values and supports the country’s policy of permanent neutrality.
In response, Berdimuhamedov expressed support for China’s global initiatives regarding Security, Civilization, Development, and Governance. He noted that these initiatives align with the goals and philosophy of Turkmenistan’s own international proposals, such as “Peace through Development” and “Dialogue is the Guarantee of Peace.”
Traditional agenda items included partnership in the fuel and energy sector. Berdimuhamedov underscored the significance of joint projects to develop the Galkynysh gas field and the sides exchanged views on prospects for further collaboration there.
The National Leader also emphasized that aligning Turkmenistan’s “Revival of the Great Silk Road” strategy with China’s Belt and Road Initiative opens new opportunities for cooperation in transport and logistics.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation was also discussed. Xi Jinping expressed confidence that projects to establish “Lu Ban Workshops” and a center for traditional Chinese medicine will soon be implemented in Turkmenistan. He confirmed readiness to further develop ties in education, experience-sharing on intellectual property, and horse breeding.
Noting the high ecological quality of Turkmen agricultural products, the Chinese leader expressed interest in intensifying agricultural partnership, particularly through supplies of high-performance equipment, introduction of water-saving technologies, and green energy.
At the conclusion of the official part, the National Leader of the Turkmen People conveyed an invitation from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for Xi Jinping to visit Turkmenistan at a convenient time.
The meeting concluded with a friendly walk and an exchange of gifts.
On behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, an Akhal-Teke stallion named Gadyrly was presented to Xi Jinping. Expressing deep gratitude, the Chinese President quoted Turkmen proverbs “At – myrat” (A horse is a realized goal) and “At agynan ýerde toý bolar” (Where a horse rolls, there will be a celebration) emphasizing that this gift is a great honor not only for him personally but for the entire Chinese people. He also recalled that 12 years ago, he had been gifted an Akhal-Teke horse named Gahryman.
Historically, horses have been among the most valuable diplomatic gifts — as exemplified by the mission of Zhang Qian to Parthia during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s visit to China continues. ///nCa, 19 March 2026