Today, a telephone conversation took place between current President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.

Having exchanged warm greetings, the parties noted with satisfaction the high level and progressive dynamics of interstate relations built on the principles of equality, mutual respect and strategic partnership.

A new effective impetus was given to bilateral cooperation by the working visit of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to China, which took place in February this year, where the leader of the nation, as a guest of honor, took part in the opening ceremony of the 24th Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, and also held talks with the President of China. Based on their results, important agreements were reached, the practical implementation of which is designed to bring long-term cooperation, based on a solid foundation of friendship and goodwill, to a qualitatively new level.

During a telephone conversation, current President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov touched upon the topic of the presidential elections held in our country on March 12. Noting that Serdar Berdimuhamedov was elected the President of Turkmenistan according to the outcomes of the popular vote announced by the Central Election Commission, the leader of the nation indicated his intention to continue his work as the Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Milli Gengesh of the country.

Current President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took the opportunity to thank President Xi Jinping for making great personal contribution to strengthening the Turkmen-Chinese cooperation and fruitful joint work.

Then the leader of the nation handed over the handset to newly elected President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Warmly congratulating the newly elected head of Turkmen state on his victory in the elections, the President of the People;s Republic of China wished him great success in his responsible work in this important post.

Expressing sincere gratitude to the head of the PRC for congratulations and kind wishes, the newly elected President of Turkmenistan, for his part, confirmed his readiness to continue the foreign policy course initiated by Leader of the Nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, further develop a wide-ranging partnership with China, and fully support the ideas and proposals for deepening and building up the Turkmen -Chinese cooperation.

During the conversation the effective nature of interstate cooperation, which is successfully developing in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian fields, was emphasized. Our countries have established productive cooperation in a wide range of industries. For many years, China has been one of the major trading partners of Turkmenistan.

The fuel and energy sector was identified among the priorities of the bilateral partnership, where the implemented joint project for the construction of a transnational gas pipeline, through which Turkmen gas is supplied to China, is a visible symbol of the mutually beneficial joining of efforts.

The implementation of this mega-project is a concrete example of long-term cooperation based on the optimal balance of interests of all participants, including producers, transit countries and consumers, and, at the same time, a real contribution to ensuring regional and global energy security.

There is a solid potential for a systematic increase in cooperation in this strategic sector, as well as in other promising areas, including the industrial, transport and communications, logistics, technology and other sectors of the economy. A significant role in this respect is assigned to the activities of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Chinese Committee for Cooperation.

As for the humanitarian field, it should be emphasized that Turkmenistan and China are states with a rich ancient history and a unique cultural heritage. Relations between the peoples of our countries were established in ancient times. Now fruitful contacts in the field of education, science, culture and art have become the link through which bilateral relations are constantly filled with new content.

In addition, there are good opportunities to intensify cooperation in sports. In the light of modern realities, the healthcare sector is also an important aspect of cooperation.

It should be noted that the Turkmen-Chinese partnership is organically complemented by a confidential dialogue within the authoritative international and regional organizations, as well as in the “Central Asia – China” format. Thus, in January this year, the Summit was held online in this format, timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the countries of the region, in which Leader of the Nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took participation.

By constructively cooperating in the international arena, our countries provide mutual support to each other. Close contacts established on a multilateral basis, truly meeting the interests of the two states and peoples, are also designed to contribute to stimulating positive processes on the Eurasian continent and in the world as a whole.

Expressing confidence that the time-proved fruitful and effective interstate relations will continue to steadily strengthen and expand for the common benefit, current President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, newly elected President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping wished each other health and success in responsible state activity, as well as peace, wellbeing and prosperity to the friendly peoples of the two countries.