Turkmenistan and China Advance Strategic Partnership, Focus on AI and Smart Cities

High-Level Talks Bolster Turkmen-Chinese Strategic Partnership

On September 22, 2025, a significant meeting took place in Ashgabat between Akhmet Gurbanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Xu Qingshan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Hangzhou Municipal People's Government. The discussions focused on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and China, with particular emphasis on innovation, artificial intelligence, and smart city development.

Both sides underscored the importance of maintaining regular, high-level contacts as a key factor in consistently enhancing bilateral relations. The meeting served to lay foundations for future collaboration across various sectors.

Focus on Innovation, AI, and Smart City Initiatives

A central theme of the dialogue was the exploration of joint projects in cutting-edge technologies. The officials discussed prospects for collaboration in:

• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• High technology
• Smart city projects
• Modernization of urban infrastructure solutions

These areas represent a mutual interest in leveraging technological advancements for economic and social development. The discussions also touched upon deepening scientific and educational ties, with the Turkmen delegation proposing to establish cooperation between Hangzhou Dianzi University and leading universities in Turkmenistan.

Expanding Cultural and Educational Exchanges

Beyond technological cooperation, the meeting also addressed the expansion of cultural and humanitarian exchanges. The officials noted the importance of fostering closer ties through various initiatives, including sports exchanges, which are seen as strengthening the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

In a related development, the city of Arkadag in Turkmenistan received a Certificate of Excellence from Hangzhou Dianzi University on March 13, 2025, recognizing its achievements as an outstanding green and environmentally friendly community. This highlights existing successful collaborations and sets a precedent for future joint ventures in sustainable urban development.

Broader Context of Bilateral Relations

This meeting is part of a broader trend of deepening cooperation between Turkmenistan and China. The two nations have a history of highlighting ties spanning centuries, and their leaders have met previously to solidify existing agreements, such as a gas field development deal.

Recent months have seen other significant steps in scientific and technical cooperation, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a Turkmen-Chinese Center for Scientific and Technical Cooperation in Ashgabat in November 2024. This center aims to facilitate research, technology exchange, and joint scientific events. Additionally, an agreement on economic and scientific-technical cooperation was signed in August 2025, further promoting the exchange of experience and implementation of innovative solutions.