Xi meets Turkmen president

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who is in China for the China-Central Asia Summit, in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, May 18, 2023. [Photo by Yin Bogu/Xinhua]

XI'AN, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday met with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Xi welcomed Berdimuhamedov to China for the China-Central Asia Summit. He recalled Berdimuhamedov's successful state visit to China in January this year, during which they announced the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and the practice of the vision of a community with a shared future at the bilateral level, opening a new chapter in China-Turkmenistan relations.

The year 2023 is the first year for China to fully implement the guiding principles set out at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The Party will rally and lead the Chinese people in advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, said Xi.

Noting that Turkmenistan recently held successful parliamentary elections, concluding an important domestic political agenda, Xi said the country is marching toward the "revival of a new era of a powerful state" under the leadership of Berdimuhamedov.

Over the past 31 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Turkmenistan have carried out friendly cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit, said Xi, adding that the bilateral relationship enjoys enormous potential and broad prospects.

China is ready to work with Turkmenistan to keep bringing the relationship forward for greater benefits of the two peoples, said Xi.

Noting that China has always been a trustworthy friend and partner of Turkmenistan, Xi said both sides should fully leverage their complementary advantages, unleash the potential for cooperation, and expand the depth, width and scale of their cooperation across the board.

He said China is willing to expand cooperation with Turkmenistan in areas such as economy, trade, natural gas and connectivity, and to explore high-tech cooperation in fields like communications and aerospace.

China supports more Chinese companies in investing and doing business in Turkmenistan, Xi said, adding that both sides should deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

The Chinese president pointed out that China and Central Asian countries are a community with a shared future.

China expects to work with the five Central Asian countries for a successful China-Central Asia Summit to promote the steady development of China-Central Asia cooperation and to maintain peace, stability and long-term security in the region, Xi said.

Berdimuhamedov said that Turkmenistan highly values its comprehensive strategic partnership with China and is willing to align its initiative to revive the Great Silk Road with the Belt and Road Initiative.

Berdimuhamedov called for deepening cooperation in key fields such as energy and innovation.

The Turkmen president said the China-Central Asia mechanism will provide new opportunities for deepening friendship and cooperation, and will also have great significance for the world.

He went on to say that Turkmenistan is willing to closely communicate and cooperate with China, jointly address challenges, and promote regional security, stability and development.

After the meeting, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in science and technology, customs and other fields.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi and Qin Gang took part in the events.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who is in China for the China-Central Asia Summit, in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, May 18, 2023. [Photo by Xie Huanchi/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who is in China for the China-Central Asia Summit, in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, May 18, 2023. After the meeting, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in science and technology, customs and other fields. [Photo by Xie Huanchi/Xinhua]