The working visit of Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with his participation in the SCO+ Summit as an honored guest, was not only a significant event in bilateral and multilateral cooperation, but also a testament to the historical continuity of strategic partnership and mutual understanding between the two nations and peoples.
The tradition of mutual trust between Turkmenistan and China, which has endured for centuries, is now clearly reflected across all areas of cooperation. The energy sector is a prime example, where relations are built on principles of transparency, openness, and mutual benefit. A clear demonstration of this is the announcement by the President of Turkmenistan regarding the preparation of a draft Basic Agreement on gas cooperation between the two countries.
The preamble of this agreement directly references the “Oath Treaty” concluded between the Turkmen and Chinese peoples in 49 BCE. The very name of the document highlights the sacred and enduring nature of the relationship between the two nations.
In the modern era, the leaders of Turkmenistan and China are enriching the spirit and principles of cooperation with new meaning, building on their deep historical roots. Both countries emphasize that their interstate relations—grounded in centuries-old friendship, mutual benefit, and equality—continue to evolve and gain new substance year by year.
A decisive role in this positive development is played by the trust-based relationships between President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Frequent high-level visits reaffirm the commitment of both sides to fully utilize the potential of their countries, which possess vast natural resources and advanced infrastructure.
