Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with First Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Ding Xuexiang

Turkmen leader and Chairman of the People's Council (Halk Maslahaty) Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and First Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China (PRC), who arrived in Turkmenistan on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to the State News Agency of Turkmenistan.

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During the talks, the parties acknowledged the high level of Turkmen-Chinese cooperation. Ding Xuexiang conveyed greetings from Xi Jinping and emphasized that bilateral relations, based on mutual respect and equality, serve as a model of effective interstate cooperation.

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Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in turn, stated that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to developing friendly ties with China and expressed support for China's global initiatives in the areas of security, civilization, development, and governance. He also confirmed that Ashgabat will continue to support Chinese initiatives within the UN.

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The meeting noted the two countries' shared positions on key issues on the global agenda, as well as their coordination within major international organizations—primarily the UN and the “Central Asia-China” format.

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Fuel and energy remains a priority area of partnership. A joint project to build a gas pipeline to transport Turkmen gas to China is currently underway. Furthermore, in accordance with a recently signed document, joint development of the next stage of the “Galkynyş” gas field will begin with the Chinese corporation CNPC.

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The parties also discussed prospects for cooperation in transport and logistics, trade and economics, technology, and cultural and humanitarian areas. China is one of Turkmenistan's largest trading partners.

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Following the meeting, the parties expressed confidence in the further strengthening of Turkmen-Chinese relations for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.

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