Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy Peng Qinghua concluded a two-day visit to Ashgabat this week, reinforcing Beijing's commitment to deepening strategic cooperation with Turkmenistan. The visit, timed with the High-Level International Forum for the International Year of Peace and Trust, saw Peng deliver President Xi's congratulatory letter while outlining China's vision for regional stability.
As vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, Peng engaged in high-level talks with Dunyagozel Gulmanova, chairperson of Turkmenistan's National Assembly, and other political leaders. The discussions centered on implementing agreements from the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and expanding collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative framework.
"China stands ready to strengthen strategic alignment and build a community with a shared future between our nations," Peng stated during the forum's people-to-people dialogue sessions. Turkmen officials welcomed China's proactive engagement, expressing particular interest in aligning with China's four global initiatives covering development, security, cultural exchange, and environmental cooperation.
The diplomatic exchange comes as both nations celebrate 33 years of formal relations in 2025. Analysts note the timing coincides with Turkmenistan's growing role in Central Asian energy markets and China's push for stable regional partnerships amid evolving global dynamics.
