On April 16, 2026, an international conference held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and dedicated to deepening cooperation between Turkmenistan and China, brought together high‑level representatives, industry leaders, researchers, and academic experts. The participants discussed strategic priorities related to energy cooperation, investment, human capital, and technological development. The conference agenda reflected a comprehensive approach to bilateral collaboration, combining policy dialogue with sector‑specific expertise and educational cooperation.
High-Level Opening
The forum opened with a ceremonial high‑level plenary session, underscoring the political and economic importance of Turkmenistan–China relations. The event was marked by the presence of senior officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, as well as ambassadors such as Ambassador Philippe Merlin and Ambassador Gismat Gozalov, among others.
Opening remarks were delivered by:
- Guvanch Agajanov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan;
- Ding Xuexiang, First Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China;
- Maksat Babayev, State Minister of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the State Concern Turkmengas;
- Dai Houliang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).
The opening session concluded with a signing ceremony, highlighting the formal and forward‑looking nature of the cooperation.
Speakers representing the Council of Ministers of Turkmenistan and the Chinese energy sector, including executives from CNPC, emphasized the long‑term strategic partnership between the two countries, particularly in the gas industry.
Twenty Years of Energy Cooperation
A central focus of the conference was the development of gas resources, with particular attention given to joint projects involving Turkmengas and Chinese partners. One of the key highlights was the discussion on the Galkynysh gas field, one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, and its role in strengthening energy security and export diversification.
Participants examined ongoing and future projects from the perspective of investment opportunities, resource management, and export infrastructure development. The forum also addressed the implementation phases of contracts and underscored the importance of technological and engineering cooperation between Turkmenistan and leading Chinese companies active in gas extraction and processing.
Expert Panels
The first thematic session focused on Turkmenistan’s resource base, investment environment, and export infrastructure development. Moderated by specialists with extensive experience in international energy cooperation, the session brought together researchers, engineers, and corporate representatives from both countries.
Speakers from natural gas research institutes, national energy corporations, and engineering companies provided insights into:
- the scientific and technical aspects of gas production;
- infrastructure modernization;
- and the role of foreign investment in improving efficiency and sustainability.
These exchanges illustrated Turkmenistan’s ambition to position itself as a reliable and strategic energy partner, while benefiting from China’s expertise in large‑scale energy projects and advanced engineering solutions.
Human Capital and Educational Cooperation
The second thematic session shifted the focus from resources to people, addressing human resource development and the advancement of scientific and educational cooperation between Turkmenistan and China. The discussions highlighted the understanding that sustainable energy cooperation depends not only on infrastructure, but also on highly qualified specialists, researchers, and future professionals.
Academics and institutional representatives explored:
- joint educational programs;
- exchanges of researchers and students;
- and stronger collaboration between universities and industry.
The participation of representatives from international universities specializing in oil and gas studies underlined the growing importance of academia–industry partnerships in shaping the future of the energy sector.
Turkmenistan Launches the Fourth Phase of the Galkynysh Gas Field Development
The program continued the following day with the delegation’s arrival in Mary city, as part of the official schedule related to the development of the Galkynysh gas field.
In the Mary region, former President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov formally inaugurated the launch of the fourth of seven planned development phases at Galkynysh. The project is designed to add processing capacity of up to 10 billion cubic meters of commercial gas annually. Officials stated that the expansion aims to increase production volumes and strengthen Turkmenistan’s export potential, particularly toward China, a key strategic energy partner.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, special representative of President Xi Jinping and member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended the groundbreaking ceremony alongside Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty.
In his address, Ding Xuexiang emphasized that, under the strategic guidance of the two countries’ top leaders, China–Turkmenistan natural gas cooperation has produced fruitful results, supporting the economic and social development of both nations and benefiting their peoples. He described the launch of the fourth phase as a milestone in deepening comprehensive cooperation, opening a new chapter in bilateral natural gas collaboration. He further noted China’s readiness to use major projects such as Galkynysh as a foundation for expanding practical cooperation across multiple sectors and for promoting regional development and shared prosperity.
Located in the Karakum Desert, approximately 400 kilometers east of Ashgabat, the Galkynysh gas field has been producing gas since 2013 and is considered the world’s second‑largest gas field, according to the British consulting firm GaffneyCline.
The inauguration ceremony was accompanied by songs and dances celebrating Turkmen–Chinese friendship, reflecting the cultural dimension of the partnership.
Conclusion
Beyond formal discussions, the conference also featured exhibition areas showcasing Turkmen and Chinese companies and brands, offering participants concrete insights into industrial capabilities and ongoing cooperation. These exchanges played an important role in transforming policy dialogue into practical partnerships and tangible projects.
Overall, the forum demonstrated a holistic and forward‑looking model of bilateral cooperation, integrating energy strategy, industrial investment, scientific research, and education. By aligning national development priorities with sectoral expertise, Turkmenistan and China reaffirmed their long‑term partnership, extending beyond energy production toward knowledge sharing, innovation, and sustainable development.
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