Historical Foundations of the Turkmen-Chinese Strategic Partnership

The working visit of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, to the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, and his participation as an honored guest in the SCO+ Summit, became not only a major event in the context of bilateral and multilateral cooperation but also reaffirmed the most important feature of the Turkmen-Chinese strategic partnership: its continuity as part of the historic path of cooperation and mutual understanding between the two peoples and states.

The centuries-old tradition of mutual trust between Turkmenistan and China today extends across all spheres of cooperation. The energy sector is no exception, with relations in this field being built on the same principles—honesty, openness, and mutual benefit—that have been tested and confirmed by shared, fruitful experience. A striking example of this was the announcement during the President of Turkmenistan’s visit to China of the preparation of a General Agreement on the Basic Principles of Cooperation in the Gas Sector.

Its preamble contains a direct reference to the “Oath Treaty” between the Turkmen and Chinese peoples. This unique document, dating back to 49 BC, was concluded by the ancestors of the Turkmen with the people of China. The very title, “Oath Treaty,” underscores the inviolability and sanctity of the principles on which the relationship between the two peoples was founded.

Today, in a new historical era, the leadership of Turkmenistan and the PRC, relying on their immensely rich historical foundation, are reviving the spirit and principles of cooperation. Both countries emphasize that their interstate ties, whose history stretches back millennia to the time of the Great Silk Road, are built on a solid foundation of centuries-old friendship and mutually beneficial, equal partnership, and are being enriched with new substance year after year.

A decisive role in this positive process is undoubtedly played by the relationship of trust established between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping. During reciprocal visits at the highest and governmental levels, which in recent years have become regular in nature, both sides consistently reaffirm the importance of making the fullest possible use of the potential of the two countries, which possess both a powerful resource base and a developed infrastructure.