On August 29, 2008, visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his Turkmen counterpart Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov in Ashgabat. The two heads of state exchanged in-depth views on bilateral ties, as well as major international and regional issues of common concern. They reached important consensus on developing China- Turkmenistan bilateral ties and deepening pragmatic cooperation in the new situation.

Hu said since the establishment of diplomatic ties 16 years ago, the two countries have always maintained a high level of political trust, supported each other on major sensitive issues of mutual concern, carried out mutually beneficial cooperation on economy, trade, energy, security and humanities and cooperated closely in international affairs. To develop China-Turkmenistan relations featuring long-term friendship, equality and trust, mutual benefit and win-win results is an unswerving policy of the Chinese government. China is ready to join hands with Turkmenistan in the following five aspects to promote better, faster development of bilateral friendly cooperative ties. First, keep close friendly exchanges and build mutual trust. Hu suggested increased high-level exchanges and contacts between the two countries’ governments, legislative organs and localities. He also called for deepening consultations and dialogue between relevant departments. Second, improve cooperation mechanisms and push forward pragmatic cooperation. Hu suggested both sides launch a China-Turkmenistan cooperative committee at deputy-prime-ministerial level at an early date to guide and coordinate cooperative work in all areas. Third, deepen security cooperation and safeguard regional stability. The two countries should strengthen cooperation between their law enforcement and security agencies on information sharing, experience exchanges and personnel training and combat the “three forces”. Fourth, enhance multilateral coordination and maintain common interests. Hu urged both sides to keep close communication and coordination within the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks and reinforce mutual support on issues of mutual concern. Fifth, expand humanities cooperation and consolidate the basis of friendship. Hu suggested both sides enhance cooperation on culture, sports, education, journalism, health and tourism.

Berdymukhamedov said Turkmenistan-China relations are based on sincere friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two peoples. Both sides have increased mutual trust and consolidated the basis of bilateral ties through dialogue and cooperation between the two governments and their people from all walks of life. He thanked for China’s respect of his country’s neutral position and policy, pledging that Turkmenistan will continue to adhere to the one-China policy.

Describing China as one of Turkmenistan’s most important and reliable cooperative partners, Berdymukhamedov said the two countries have conducted sound cooperation on economy, trade, energy, transport, communications and textile and yielded important results. Berdymukhamedov said "energy cooperation constitutes an important part of bilateral economic and trade cooperation and is an integral part of global energy safety." Both sides have also kept dynamic cooperation in culture, education and other humanities areas. Turkmenistan is ready to work with China to be dedicated to bilateral cooperation on politics, economy, trade, humanities and security and inject new vitality into bilateral ties.

Berdymukhamedov congratulated the Chinese government and people on their hosting of the spectacular Beijing Olympic Games. Hu expressed gratitude for the positive support offered by the Turkmen side to the Beijing Olympics.

Following the talks, Hu and Berdymukhamedov jointly attended a signing ceremony of cooperation documents concerning politics, economy, trade and transport and met the press.

Prior to the talks, Hu attended a grand welcoming ceremony held by President Berdymukhamedov at the Presidential Palace.

On the same day, Hu Jintao laid wreaths before the Niyazov Memorial Hall and the Monument of Independence, and planted a tree of friendship between China and Turkmenistan.

Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo attended the above-mentioned activities.