It is a tradition that the atmosphere of special solemnity along with spiritual kinship, cordiality and confidence invariably reigns during the Turkmen-Chinese top level talks. It can be said that the success of the recent talks was predetermined as the ways to it lay in all directions – both temporal and spiritual. Moreover, in spite of the significance of the political and economic aspects of co-operation between Turkmenistan and China the specificity of the similar perception of the world and reality penetrated with deep reverence to the national history, cultural heritage and national traditions appear on frontline.

The main thing that brings Turkmenistan and China together is an understanding of the genuine value of an individual, recognition of his right to improvement of his life, and so the life of the country. In China as nowhere else the real cost of internal stability is known, the scale of the efforts to be made by the political leadership as well as entire nation to bring the country up to the leading positions in the global economic system, to guarantee the high standards of living to the people, the welfare and prosperity – to future generations can be appreciated, that is why Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s policy and progressive reforms inspire respect and intense interest there.

The truth of this statement was proved by the honorary Chinese guest. Noting that the Turkmen capital had beautified and changed beyond recognition since his first visit to Ashgabat in 1995 Hu Jintao said that this fact along with the social and economic achievements were the direct outcomes of the fundamental reforms implemented on the initiative and under the leadership of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in all spheres including international co-operation. The honorary guest said that the high dynamics of bilateral co-operation was conditioned by the interested, constructive approach demonstrated by both partners. “We are profoundly impressed with the business-like style characteristic of the President of Turkmenistan who has won the reputation of a modern, broad-minded politician and statesman,” Hu Jintao said.

Penetrated with the spirit of fraternity and friendliness the cordial relations established between the leaders of two ancient nations as well as between the nations were demonstrated during the Turkmen leader’s first visit to Beijing last summer that resulted in signing the important intergovernmental agreements and the recent informal meetings between Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Hu Jintao during the ceremony of opening the XXIX Summer Olympic Games were maintained by the Chinese leader’s visit to the Turkmen capital.

One of the central events is awarding the Order of Turkmenistan Turkmenistanyn ilkinji Prezidenti Beyik Saparmyrat Turkmenbasy to the leader of China.

Speaking about the Turkmen-Chinese top level talks it should be noted that the bilateral format of partnership became for both countries an inestimable experience of fruitful collaboration aimed always at a constructive result. A part of the documents that extended the legal basis of co-operation are founded on the achievements gained in energy sector, transport and communication and other sectors of economy. These included the agreement on construction of the railway repair and maintenance centre in Turkmenistan, the Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Technical and Economic Co-Operation, the Framework Agreement between the Turkmengaz State Concern and the China National Petroleum Corporation on expansion of co-operation in gas industry.

Along with the proven mechanisms of partnership the new ones aimed at closer joint activity based on mutual support and assistance were proposed. In particular, this is the Turkmen-Chinese Committee for Co-Operation called upon to intensify the intergovernmental dialogue and put the agreements in practice.

What is more important is that the outcomes of the Turkmen-Chinese top level talks concentrated 16-year co-operation as well as exposed its profound not yet used potential. That can be illustrated by the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline. Expressing the reciprocal willingness to accelerate the project so that the gas main could be put into operation in late 2009 the sides agreed to increase the pipe capacity to 40 billion cubic metres a year.

Noting China’s phenomenal sports achievements that had been vividly demonstrated by the Beijing Olympic Games Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that Turkmenistan intended to considerably extend humanitarian co-operation especially in the sphere of sport that was of particular concern in Turkmenistan. The Chinese leader put forward the proposal to open the Confucius Institute – the educational and research centre for the study of rich culture and spiritual heritage of the Chinese people in Turkmenistan.

The vast opportunities and prospects of further joint work are provided in the sphere transit and communication services including the North-South railway under construction that China’s railway network can be connected to, textile and chemical industries, silk production, education and many other fields.

Thus, the invisible but immensely strong links stretching from the remote ages to the present day, from the epoch of the Great Silk Route to the third millennium when an intergovernmental exchange of cultural and ethical values, information, progressive technologies, scientific and technological advances and academic programmes has become all-embracing determine the strategic fields of Turkmen-Chinese partnership under the new historical conditions. Relying on them each of our countries advances along its own path enriching its historical experience with the achievements and discoveries of modern human civilization.

The social, political and economic significance of rapidly developed Turkmen-Chinese co-operation should be viewed from a perspective, the concurrent strategic interests of both countries and those vast opportunities provided through their huge resources and human potential. Relaying on the laws of friendship and fraternity, demonstrating the goodwill and adherence to the ideas of constructive development, Turkmenistan and China build relationships not for a short while but centuries to come.