On 1 September 2025, 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who is on a working visit to China, participated as an honorary guest in the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization SCO+ format in Tianjin.
The SCO+ format is a unique partnership platform within which the member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization interact with countries that are not members of the Organization but are interested in developing multifaceted fruitful relations. At the same time, it allows to expand the range of participants in cooperation, including observer States, dialogue partners and other invited countries. The main goal of the SCO+ format is to strengthen economic and cultural ties across a wider geographical area.
In his speech at the summit, the President of Turkmenistan emphasized the long tradition of mutual engagement and respect between Turkmenistan and the SCO.
He expressed support for the SCO initiatives, including the Global Governance Initiative voiced by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which aligns with Turkmenistan’s vision.
“We support this Initiative and express our readiness to work together with our Chinese colleagues on its practical implementation,” President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, stating that the SCO’s principled approaches to strengthening international and regional stability, creating conditions for political and diplomatic dialogue as the basis of interstate relations and resolving complex issues deserve understanding and support.
The main focus of the speech was on economic cooperation with a focus on such areas as transport, logistics, energy, trade and industrial cooperation.
President Berdimuhamedov emphasized economic collaboration, focusing on transport, logistics, energy, trade, and industrial partnerships. He proposed leveraging Turkmenistan’s strategic geographic position to develop East-West and North-South transport corridors, with a particular focus on Caspian Sea routes. The Turkmenbashi International Seaport, he noted, stands ready to facilitate enhanced regional connectivity.
The President underscored the importance of humanitarian cooperation, rooted in shared values and good neighborliness, as a cornerstone for building lasting partnerships. This approach reflects Turkmenistan’s commitment to fostering cultural and social bonds alongside economic initiatives.