The visit of the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to China has become a historic event, garnering significant attention from both Turkmen and Chinese media and the public. Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan, Ji Shumin, shared the outcomes of the visit during a press briefing in Ashgabat on 27 March.
The diplomat emphasized the particular symbolism of the fact that Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was the first foreign leader to visit Beijing immediately following the conclusion of China’s pivotal political “Two Sessions.”
Steadfast Strengthening of Political Trust
According to the Ambassador, the development dynamics of China–Turkmenistan relations inspire optimism, with political mutual trust between the two nations steadily strengthening. Furthermore, mutual support serves as the core essence of the China–Turkmenistan comprehensive strategic partnership.
“Regardless of changes in the international situation, the Chinese side consistently supports and will continue to support the Turkmen side in defending its national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. China will invariably support Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality and will always remain a reliable partner for Turkmenistan,” the Ambassador noted, quoting Chinese Leader Xi Jinping.
In turn, the National Leader of Turkmenistan reaffirmed Ashgabat’s firm commitment to the “One China” principle and its readiness to support Beijing on issues affecting its core interests.
Alignment of National Strategies
The integration of large-scale initiatives remains a key vector of interaction. This refers to the alignment of China’s “Belt and Road” initiative with Turkmenistan’s “Revival of the Great Silk Road” strategy.
Ji Shumin noted that practical cooperation between the two countries is expanding from the traditional energy sector to a significantly broader range of fields.
“In an interview with CGTN, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, emphasized that practical cooperation between Turkmenistan and China encompasses energy, trade, economy, transport, communications, high technology, the textile industry, agriculture, and other areas, enriching bilateral relations with increasingly profound content,” the diplomat reminded.
Interaction on the Global Stage
Regarding cooperation on the global stage, Ji Shumin stated that amid a “complex and volatile international and regional environment, China and Turkmenistan firmly uphold the international system centered on the United Nations and the international order based on international law, maintaining a high level of cooperation in multilateral forums.”
During his visit to Beijing, National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed support for the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping.
“By developing cooperation in all spheres based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, China and Turkmenistan set an exemplary model for interstate relations,” the Ambassador concluded.///nCa, 27 March 2026