On 13 October 2026, Wuhan, Hubei Province, the People’s Republic of China hosted a regular meeting of the Sub-committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Turkmen-Chinese Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee, reports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
The meeting was co-chaired by Allaberdi Ashirov, President of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and Co-Chair of the Sub-committee from the Turkmen side, and Zhang Guangjun, Vice Minister of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China and Co-Chair from the Chinese side.
In accordance with the agenda, a review of the work accomplished since the previous meeting of the Sub-committee was conducted. The sides highlighted the successful implementation of the agreements reached and the effective collaboration carried out by research institutions and experts from both countries across several key fields.
The following were identified as priority areas for bilateral cooperation in science and technology:
- Application of scientific achievements in the oil, gas, and energy sectors;
- Scientific exchange in the development of petrochemical technologies and nanomaterials;
- Strengthening the academic foundation and improving practical skills in artificial intelligence;
- Continued cooperation on seismic risk reduction;
- Exchange of experience in applying advanced synthetic biology methods and precise gene editing for the development of traditional agricultural microorganisms;
- Combating desertification and conserving biodiversity;
- Cooperation in cotton breeding and water-saving irrigation systems.
An agreement was reached to develop practical cooperation and implement joint research projects across these key areas.
During the meeting, high appreciation was expressed for the “Program of Scientific, Technological, and Innovative Cooperation for 2026–2028 between the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China” and its Action Plan, signed in April 2026.
To further reinforce the legal framework of bilateral partnership, the Protocol of the Third Meeting of the Sub-committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Turkmen-Chinese Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee was signed at the end of the meeting. /// nCa, 20 October 2026