During his speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping for the invitation. This was reported by the state news agency TDH.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan also emphasised that Turkmenistan's participation in SCO summits has become a ‘long-standing tradition’ reflecting mutual interest in developing the partnership.

The President of Turkmenistan noted the constructive role of the organisation in strengthening international stability and supported the new initiative of the President of the PRC, the ‘Global Governance Initiative’.

Particular attention was paid to issues of economic cooperation in the speech. The President of Turkmenistan highlighted transport, energy, trade and industrial cooperation as key areas of interaction between Turkmenistan and the SCO member states. Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed more active development of the ‘East-West’ and ‘North-South’ transport corridors, emphasising the importance of trans-Caspian routes and the capabilities of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port.

In the energy sector, Turkmenistan is ready to increase natural gas and electricity supplies to SCO countries, as well as participate in joint projects to develop the electric power industry. In addition, Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed Ashgabat's interest in expanding cooperation in the field of communications, including the laying of fibre-optic lines through Afghanistan to Pakistan.

The Head of State also emphasised the importance of humanitarian cooperation based on “historical experience, good neighbourliness and mutual respect”.

In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov invited delegations from SCO member countries to visit Ashgabat for the celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the international recognition of Turkmenistan's neutrality, which will be celebrated on 12 December this year.