Speaking at the Central Asia – China Summit on June 17 in the capital of Kazakhstan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov put forward initiatives that could give a new impetus to regional partnership and reveal the potential for strategic interaction between Central Asia and China.

President Berdimuhamedov emphasized that the current meeting is intended to consolidate and develop the ideas outlined at the previous Summit in Xi'an and recorded in the Xi'an Declaration. He especially noted that the Central Asian states and China are the most important participants in continental and regional processes, political and diplomatic interaction of which has a constructive impact on the geopolitical landscape of Asia, promoting peace, stability and security.

Strategic initiatives and priorities of foreign policy

In the sphere of foreign policy, taking into account the current global situation, Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed paying the closest attention to Turkmenistan's initiative to develop a Global Security Strategy under the auspices of the UN. The head of state noted that the presented political, legal and ideological foundations of this document correspond to the conceptual approaches of the participants of the Central Asia-China format to the future development of global processes, including the role of developing countries, the use of preventive diplomacy, principles of neutrality and peacekeeping platforms.

Turkmenistan proposes to initiate a consultation process within this format during the upcoming anniversary session of the UN General Assembly to develop and discuss the essential provisions of this Strategy, starting work with partners in the Asian Group and implying further expansion of the number of participants.

In the energy sector, Turkmenistan also advocates for expanding cooperation within the framework of the Central Asia-China format, seeing serious prerequisites for this. In this context, the country is ready to discuss issues of diversifying supplies of Turkmen natural gas, and also advocates for expanding the geography and volumes of electricity supplies.

Undoubtedly, the most important role in the joint economic prosperity of the countries of Central Asia and China is played by stimulating trade and commerce, as well as the creation of joint ventures of various profiles.

The Silk Road of the 21st Century: New Transport Architecture for the Region

One of the central areas outlined by the President of Turkmenistan was the activation and expansion of partnership in the transport sector. The head of state emphasized that Turkmenistan's strategy of "Revival of the Great Silk Road" in conjunction with China's "One Belt - One Road" initiative promotes the unification of national transport and logistics capabilities in the common interests. The President of Turkmenistan stated the urgent need to mobilize resources to create a modern, reliable and integrated transport and logistics system that will cover the territories of the Asia-Pacific region, South and Central Asia, as well as the Middle and Near East.

Innovations as a driver of economic progress

Considerable attention in the speech of the head of Turkmenistan was paid to innovative cooperation. President Berdimuhamedov expressed hope for the Chinese partners' focused attention to this area. The launch of joint programs and projects in the field of artificial intelligence, satellite and space research, digitalization, information platforms and software can significantly increase the effectiveness of economic cooperation.

According to the head of state, this will also contribute to the creation of a sustainable market for technology services in Central Asia, the exchange of specialists and methods, as well as the accelerated development of national technology schools, which is a strategic investment in the future of relations between Central Asia and China.

Platform "Cultural Dialogue of Central Asia and China"

The President of Turkmenistan also put forward an initiative aimed at deepening humanitarian ties. It was proposed to consider the possibility of organizing joint thematic festivals of culture and arts on a permanent basis, which would be held in turn in one of the countries of the format. Based on this, an initiative for discussion on the formation of a new platform for interaction in the field of culture - "Cultural Dialogue of Central Asia and China " was put forward. In the event of a fundamental agreement between the heads of state, the relevant departments will be instructed to develop the modalities of such a platform.

Invitation to Ashgabat and new agreements

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov recalled that 2025, on the initiative of Turkmenistan, was declared by the UN General Assembly as the "International Year of Peace and Trust". In this regard, the head of state invited all heads of state to participate in a major International Forum, which will be held in Ashgabat in December this year and will be dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality.

In conclusion of his speech, the President of Turkmenistan confirmed his country's continued commitment to the closest cooperation in the "Central Asia - China" format, emphasizing that the potential of this dialogue is just beginning to unfold - and it is now that countries can lay the foundation for decades of sustainable development and prosperity.

Following the Summit, the Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and China and the Astana Declaration of the Second Central Asia-China Summit were signed, and the Initiative to Create Favorable Conditions for Mutual Trips of Citizens within the CA-China Format was adopted.

Also, within the framework of the summit, the Agreement on the Establishment of Sister City Relations between the Akhal velayat, Turkmenistan, and the Shaanxi Province, China, was announced.

ORIENT