On June 9, 2017 local time, President Xi Jinping met with President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan in Astana.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Turkmenistan are good friends and good partners. At present, China-Turkmenistan relations have been embracing a sound development momentum with continuous improvement of political mutual trust, constant deepened practical cooperation and close coordination in international affairs. The Chinese side attaches great importance to China-Turkmenistan relations and stands ready to take the opportunity of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationship between the two countries to increase mutual support, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and constantly consolidate the connotation of China-Turkmenistan strategic partnership.

Xi Jinping stressed that under the new situation, China and Turkmenistan should intensify exchanges at high level and all levels, fully tap the potentials, and actively explore and innovate, so as to make joint efforts to well plan for the practical cooperation in all areas in the next step. The two countries should intensify people-to-people and cultural exchanges to enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. Appreciating Turkmenistan for its support and early participation in the "Belt and Road" construction, China is willing to work together with Turkmenistan to cooperate under the "Belt and Road" framework in a bid to better benefit the two peoples.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the Turkmenistan-China relations have enjoyed sound development since the establishment of diplomatic relations 25 years ago. Both sides support each other on the issues concerning respective core concerns and in international affairs, and achieved fruitful outcomes from economic and trade cooperation. The Turkmen side dedicates itself to deepening the strategic relations between Turkmenistan and China, and stands ready to, together with China, intensify high-level exchanges, expand cooperation in such areas as natural gas, clean energy, production capacity, and transportation infrastructure under the "Belt and Road" framework, as well as strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges in education and culture. The Turkmen side sincerely hopes the development of Turkmenistan-China relations could be as fast as the Akhal-teke horses.

Yang Jiechi and others attended the meeting.