On 6 September, representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the ‘Central Asia–China’ Political Parties Dialogue in Samarkand. This was reported by the press office of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan.

The dialogue focused on the theme ‘The Role of Political Parties in Strengthening Ties between China and Central Asia’. Its aim was to consolidate the inter-regional agreements reached at the level of Heads of State, as well as to further develop strategic cooperation within the ‘Central Asia–China’ framework.

The participants noted that political parties play an important role in the development of multilateral cooperation between China and the countries of Central Asia, and that the issues on the Dialogue’s agenda create opportunities for strengthening stability and economic integration in the region.

A representative of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan emphasised that the country’s foreign policy, based on its status of permanent neutrality – recognised three times by the UN – is consistently developed on the principles of mutual respect, trust and equality. According to him, Turkmenistan regards the ‘Central Asia–China’ format as an important tool for strengthening economic ties, expanding transport and fuel-energy interconnectivity, and promoting joint initiatives. Such meetings, he noted, serve as a platform for strengthening friendly relations between nations.

Participants in the Dialogue emphasised that such consultations help to strengthen strategic cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and China, facilitate the exchange of experience and enable the coordination of development strategies in line with current trends in the global economy.