On 20 January, a meeting was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the People's Republic of China between the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan, Parahat Durdyev, and the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Nurlan Yermekbayev. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

The parties discussed the expansion of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the SCO. The Ambassador congratulated the Secretary General on the New Year and wished him success in implementing the Organisation's tasks.

Parahat Durdyev noted the multifaceted nature of the SCO's work and the high level of interaction with Turkmenistan. He provided information on the events planned by the Turkmen side in 2026, as well as on the preparations for the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence.

Nurlan Yermekbayev expressed his gratitude for the invitation and opportunity to participate in the Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality. He also recalled his meeting with the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed the potential for developing cooperation in the trade, economic, transport, logistics and humanitarian spheres.