Today, in the Chinese city of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the «Central Asia - China» Summit began its work, for participation in which the leaders of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan arrived in the Celestial Empire.

The day before, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with President of PRC Xi Jinping here. As a result of the negotiations, a package of documents was signed, which significantly expanded the legal framework of bilateral cooperation.

The participation of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the invitation of the Chinese leader in the Summit «Central Asia - China» is another confirmation of the responsible, active and proactive position of Turkmenistan in matters of bilateral and multilateral partnership. In an effort to fully contribute to positive processes in the regional and global dimensions, neutral Turkmenistan intends to continue to make a concrete contribution to building mutually beneficial ties, ensuring global peace, security and stability, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening the bonds of friendship and good neighbourliness between states and peoples.

It is also symbolic that the city of Xian, the industrial, business, cultural and educational centre of the PRC, was chosen as the venue for the forum, which in ancient times was the destination of trade caravans that passed along the Great Silk Road through the territory of Central Asia, connecting China with the states of the region. On top of that, Xi'an is twinned with the city of Mary, through which the route of the legendary caravan route ran.

Today, Turkmenistan and China can rightly be proud of the achieved level of mutual understanding and trust. Thanks to mutual goodwill, the systematic process of rapprochement between the two countries and peoples, strengthening the foundation of friendship and cooperation for decades to come continues.

During today's talks, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov is expected to make a speech.