China's top legislator Zhao Leji emphasized deepening cooperation with Turkmenistan during talks with National Assembly Chairperson Dunyagozel Gulmanova in Beijing on Thursday. The discussions focused on aligning the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Turkmenistan's development strategy to revitalize historic Silk Road connections.
Strategic Partnership Takes Center Stage
Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, highlighted the 2023 elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This follows high-level exchanges between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Turkmen leaders, including agreements on connectivity projects and cultural collaboration.
Four Key Cooperation Areas
1. Economic Synergy: Strengthening infrastructure links and agricultural innovation 2. Cultural Bridges: Expanding tourism and educational exchanges 3. Legislative Coordination: Sharing governance best practices through parliamentary exchanges 4. Global Governance: Joint support for multilateral trade systems and Xi's global development initiatives
Mutual Support on Core Issues
Zhao acknowledged Turkmenistan's support on matters including the Taiwan question and Xinjiang-related affairs. Both nations reaffirmed commitments to sovereignty protection and development path autonomy, with China backing Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality policy.
Gulmanova noted 'vigorous development' across political, economic, and cultural spheres under current leadership. The Turkmen National Assembly proposed enhanced parliamentary cooperation through committee-level exchanges and youth engagement programs.
