A delegation from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China, led by Erkin Tuniyaz, Deputy Secretary of the XUAR CPC Committee and Chairman of the People’s Government of the region, is currently visiting Ashgabat, according to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan.’
The visit primarily aims to translate bilateral interaction into practical applications, ranging from agriculture and water conservation to scientific research, education, and advanced technology.
One of the key venues on the itinerary was the International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. The Chinese delegation visited specialized laboratories and reviewed the technology park’s innovative infrastructure alongside developments by Turkmen scientists.
Representatives of the XUAR praised the scientific and technological capabilities of the center and expressed interest in exploring opportunities for joint research initiatives.
Focus on Agricultural Modernization
As part of the visit, the Chinese delegation held talks with the leadership of the Ashgabat Mayor’s Office and met with representatives of Turkmenistan’s agricultural sector. The discussions were attended by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the “Türkmenpagta” [Turkmen Cotton] State Concern, and the country’s agribusiness sector.
A separate meeting was held with Deputy Prime Minister Tangryguly Atahallyev, who oversees the agricultural sector.
Primary attention was given to the current state and prospects of trade, economic, and agricultural cooperation.
The Turkmen side highlighted the modernization of the agro-industrial complex as a key component of the country’s economic transformation. Priorities include attracting investment, introducing innovative technologies, and leveraging advanced international expertise.
The practical agenda encompasses developing transport and logistics services, marketing, supplying high-tech equipment, and organizing joint business forums and trade exhibitions. XUAR representatives supported Ashgabat’s proposals and presented their own initiatives to expand collaboration.
Water, Land, and Combatting Desertification
A distinct part of the talks was dedicated to environmental and agricultural matters. The parties explored opportunities for joint work in sustainable natural resource management, environmental technologies, and improving water use efficiency.
Xinjiang’s experience in land and water resource management, as well as in combatting desertification, is of particular interest to Turkmenistan. For a region with an arid climate, these areas hold direct practical significance.
The Turkmen side expressed readiness to develop joint research programs and exchange scientific and operational practices, including water-saving technologies for agriculture.
Educational and Scientific Contacts
Moreover, the parties discussed expanding cultural, humanitarian, and educational ties. Proposals include regular cultural events, student and faculty exchange programs, and mutual internships for young scientists.
Thus, the current XUAR delegation visit to Ashgabat spans several interconnected areas: agricultural modernization, technological cooperation, natural resource management, education, and scientific research.
The visit of the Chinese delegation is ongoing. /// nCa, 25 August 2026