Berdimuhamedov’s China Visit
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan visited China in late May 2020, further strengthening the existing bilateral ties between the two countries. This visit also pushed forward China’s Central Asian relations, as China has become a major player in the region. During the visit, the two countries signed a number of agreements, which will further enhance the cooperation between the two countries.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The visit of the Turkmenistan President to China was seen as an important step in the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries. During the visit, the two sides held talks on a range of issues, such as trade, energy, infrastructure, and security. They also signed several agreements and held a series of business meetings. The agreements signed during the visit include a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Energy, a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture and Water Resources, and a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Free Trade Zone between the two countries. Moreover, the two sides also agreed to cooperate in the field of infrastructure development, with China providing assistance to Turkmenistan in the construction of roads, railways, and bridges.
China’s Central Asian Relations
The visit of President Berdimuhamedov to China is a clear indication of the increasing importance of China in the Central Asian region. In recent years, China has been increasingly involved in the region, both politically and economically. For instance, China has invested heavily in the region, with the aim of developing infrastructure, creating economic opportunities, and strengthening security. In addition, China has also been involved in various regional initiatives, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the China-Eurasia Economic Cooperation Forum. Moreover, China has also been instrumental in helping to resolve regional conflicts, such as the ongoing war in Afghanistan. China has also been playing an important role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Regional Connectivity
The visit of President Berdimuhamedov to China is also seen as a step towards the further development of regional connectivity. During the visit, the two sides discussed plans to enhance regional connectivity, particularly in the areas of transportation, energy, and communications. The two sides also discussed plans to build a “Silk Road Economic Belt”, which would link China to Central Asia and beyond. This initiative is seen as an important part of China’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity and to promote economic development.
Economic Cooperation
China and Turkmenistan also agreed to further strengthen their economic cooperation. During the visit, the two sides signed a number of agreements aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, finance, and energy. They also discussed plans to improve the investment climate in Turkmenistan, as well as plans to improve access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises. These initiatives are seen as important steps towards further deepening the economic ties between the two countries.
Security Cooperation
The visit of President Berdimuhamedov to China is also seen as an important step towards further strengthening security cooperation between the two countries. During the visit, the two sides agreed to enhance security cooperation, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism, drug-trafficking, and transnational organized crime. Moreover, the two countries also discussed plans to enhance military-to-military cooperation, with China providing assistance to Turkmenistan in the areas of defense and security. This is seen as an important step towards further deepening the security ties between the two countries.
Conclusion
The visit of President Berdimuhamedov to China is an important step forward in China’s Central Asian relations. The visit has further strengthened bilateral ties between the two countries, and has pushed forward China’s initiatives in the region, such as regional connectivity and economic cooperation. Moreover, the visit has also helped to enhance security cooperation between the two countries. All in all, the visit of President Berdimuhamedov to China is a clear indication of the increasing importance of China in the Central Asian region.
