ASHGABAT - Turkmenistan and China have reached a new level of integration. The seventh meeting of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Ministers Rashid Meredov and Ding Xuexiang on April 16, concluded with the signing of a historic package of documents defining the shape of the regional economy for the coming years, Orient.tm reports.
Energy and Gas: Galkynysh as a New Stage. The central event was the signing of the General Agreement on the Principles of Cooperation in the Gas Sector. The parties officially confirmed the transition to new stages of development of the gigantic Galkynysh field. This means not simply the operation of the existing pipeline, but a large-scale expansion of the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline.
Technological Breakthrough and AI: For the first time, the bilateral agenda has so clearly focused on high technology. The signed Memorandum of Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) between the relevant ministry of Turkmenistan and the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China opens the door to the digital transformation of the economy. This initiative is complemented by the launch of the "Lu Ban Workshop" and the creation of a joint energy training center.
Logistics Corridors: From China to Europe: Turkmenistan has confirmed its role as a key transit hub. New agreements have cemented work on the China-Turkmenistan-Caspian Sea-Europe routes and access to Southeast Asia.
Humanitarian Bridge: The five-year cooperation program (2026–2030) includes the opening of mutual cultural centers and the launch of a Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine. Collaboration between the Academies of Sciences and leading universities will provide the scientific foundation for all ambitious projects.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
April 17, 2026