Beijing set the stage this Thursday for a modern revival of the Silk Road, as Zhao Leji, chairman of the Chinese mainland’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, hosted Dunyagozel Gulmanova, chairperson of the National Assembly of Turkmenistan. Over frank talks, both sides dug into plans for deeper ties across connectivity, agriculture, culture and education.
During the meeting, Zhao stressed, "China is willing to work with Turkmenistan to strengthen the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Turkmenistan’s development strategy to revive the Great Silk Road, explore new measures to deepen cooperation in connectivity and agriculture, and expand collaboration in culture, tourism and education." He recalled that in January 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and that friendly exchanges continued in October with the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Zhao also highlighted Turkmenistan’s firm support for China’s position on the Taiwan question and issues related to Xinjiang and human rights, pledging Beijing’s unwavering backing for Ashgabat’s independence, sovereignty and permanent neutrality. He called on both nations to advance President Xi’s three major global initiatives, safeguard the World Trade Organization–centered multilateral trading system and practise true multilateralism.
On the legislative front, Zhao said the NPC and the Mejlis were ready to strengthen friendly exchanges, share experiences in legislation, supervision and governance, and build a solid legal foundation for practical cooperation. Gulmanova, reflecting on the progress under their strategic partnership, emphasized the vigorous development across politics, economy, diplomacy and culture. She added that Turkmenistan’s National Assembly looks forward to deeper collaboration among special committees as well as youth and women parliamentarians.
Reference(s):
China's top legislator meets Turkmen National Assembly chairperson
cgtn.com
