On July 16, 2020, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R.Meredov participated to the first ministerial meeting in “Central Asia – China” format through videoconferencing.
The Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Republic of Uzbekistan and the People’s Republic of China took part in the session.
During the constructive dialogue, the participants discussed a number of key issues on the promotion of cooperation in political-diplomatic field, as well as considered the trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian collaboration.
One of the main topics of discussion was the pandemic situation in the world, which negatively affected all the areas of life. Ministers exchanged views and told about the experience gained in regard to prevention methods and treatment of diseases emerged from the COVID-19. The parties considered the opportunities of diminishing the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.
In his speech, R.Meredov noted the significance of cooperation in the given format and proposed to specify the consultative mechanisms in the framework of “CA – China.” He underlined that the countries of Central Asia and China possess powerful resources, economic, scientific and industrial potential through which they can make even greater contribution to the provision of peace, stable development and security.
The parties discussed the cooperation in the framework of international structures, emphasized the significance of mutual support within the UN platform. The Afghan problems and possibilities for assisting the advancement of peace process in Afghanistan were considered.
Ministers also discussed the opportunities of expanding the cooperation in the field of energy, transport, high technologies, agriculture, as well as science and medicine.
Upon the outcomes of the session, the parties adopted the Joint Statement of the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting “Central Asia – China” in the format of a videoconference.