In a sign of deepening ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping met on Tuesday with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Beijing's Great Hall of the People. The sit-down highlights a partnership built on energy, trade and a shared vision for regional connectivity.
Turkmenistan, home to the world's fourth-largest natural gas reserves, sends nearly all of its exported gas to China via the Central Asia-China pipeline. Since full operation began in 2014, this pipeline has delivered trillions of cubic feet of natural gas to the Chinese mainland, fueling factories and homes across the country.
During the talks, Xi and Berdimuhamedov reaffirmed plans to diversify cooperation beyond hydrocarbons. Both leaders expressed commitment to joint renewable energy projects, digital infrastructure investment and cultural exchanges aimed at boosting tourism and student mobility. The Belt and Road Initiative remains a cornerstone framework, under which bilateral trade has more than quintupled in the past decade.
"Our strategic partnership drives growth and stability," Xi told reporters, underscoring China's interest in securing clean energy supplies. Berdimuhamedov noted that Turkmenistan is eager to welcome Chinese tech and green-energy firms to help modernize its economy.
For young entrepreneurs, the meeting signals fresh opportunities in sustainable energy and digital innovation. Thought leaders highlight how this partnership illustrates a global shift toward greener cooperation, while travelers can expect expanded visa-free routes and cultural festivals celebrating Turkmen art in major Chinese cities.
As the world watches, the Xi-Berdimuhamedov forum sets the stage for an ambitious agenda: building bridges not just in steel and gas, but in ideas and people-to-people ties that span Asia and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
