In a key diplomatic move, Chinese Vice Premier Ting Shangkun visited Turkmenistan from April 15-17 as President Xi Jinping’s envoy. The agenda centered on energy diplomacy, including the official kickoff of the Galkynysh gas field’s fourth development phase.
Ting joined National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow for the launch ceremony and conducted bilateral talks with him and President Serdar Berdimuhamedow. He also led the seventh meeting of the intergovernmental cooperation committee alongside Rashid Meredov, Turkmenistan’s Vice Premier and Foreign Minister.
Speaking at the event, Ting described the project as a symbol of leadership vision and public aspirations. He urged both sides to prioritize win-win outcomes in constructing what he termed a ‘friendship project.’
Ting praised the steady advancement of China-Turkmenistan relations, crediting strategic leadership. Natural gas partnerships, he noted, anchor these ties, providing real welfare gains for populations.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow expressed readiness to enhance mutual trust, deliver the project successfully, and explore fresh collaboration opportunities with China.
President Serdar emphasized elevating the strategic partnership, focusing on gas cooperation to fortify exchanges in diverse fields.
The Galkynysh expansion, part of broader infrastructure efforts, promises to increase Turkmenistan’s gas exports to China via pipelines, stabilizing supplies amid geopolitical shifts. This engagement highlights Turkmenistan’s pivotal role in Eurasia’s energy landscape and China’s quest for diversified resources.
