Oriented on making people closer

In the context of global instability, human connections that can become a basis for mutual understanding are especially important. This is the meaning of the trip of a group of young Turkmen journalists to China, where one of the important points of the program was the city of Xi'an - a center of historical and modern significance.

During meetings with the leadership of the Secretariat of the "PRC - Central Asia" and representatives of the Shaanxi Province, the participants talked about the future of youth dialogue based on respect, culture and a common faith in peace throughout the world. After all, young leaders are the bearers of the future of peace.

The floor is given to the participants of the youth group, which includes representatives of the ORIENT website.

Where the Past, Present and Future Meet

When our team of journalists arrived in the city of Xi'an, it immediately became clear why the organizers included it in the program of the study tour.

This ancient center, which became the cradle of Chinese civilization and one of the most important nodes of the Great Silk Road, has again become the focus of international attention in recent years.

It was here that the First Summit of the Heads of State of the PRC - Central Asia was held. And it was here that the Secretariat of the China - Central Asia format was founded. This structure is called upon to play a significant role in the formation of a new architecture of cooperation on the Eurasian continent.

Dialogue in the Secretariat, Coming from the Heart

The Turkmen delegation was met by Secretary General Mr. Sun Weidong in the building of the Secretariat of the China-Central Asia Cooperation Mechanism. The atmosphere was informal and truly warm – as if we were not at a reception, as stipulated by the protocol part of the program, but at a meeting of old friends and like-minded people. Thus, another small step was taken in Xi'an to strengthen trust between countries, cultures and generations.

Mr. Sun recalled with sincere sympathy his work in Turkmenistan as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC. "I feel like I am meeting close relatives," he said with a smile. And these words immediately disposed us to an open conversation.

He said that the Secretariat, established following the Xi'an Declaration adopted at the first China-Central Asia summit in 2023, plays a key coordinating role, uniting the efforts of the six states in the fields of economy, science, culture, transport and sustainable development. This structure is not just a bureaucratic body, but a dynamic platform that turns the ideas of the leaders of the Central Asian states and China into concrete initiatives and practical interaction.

Mr. Sun paid special attention to the positive role of Turkmenistan in regional interaction, emphasizing that relations between our states are based on trust, mutual respect and strategic partnership. This is evidenced by both the bilateral agenda and Turkmenistan's active participation in multilateral mechanisms, such as the second China-CA summit in Astana.

The Voice of Youth – the Voice of the Future

Young journalists from Turkmenistan shared their impressions of the trip to the city of Yulin, where industrial centers and historical and cultural heritage have become part of the holistic picture of modern China.

The participants expressed their desire to develop humanitarian ties, study in China, share mutually beneficial experiences and build bridges of understanding that help young people get to know each other better and strengthen mutual respect.

Emphasizing the sincerity of their intentions, the participants of the trip assured that they would strive to develop public diplomacy, participate in intercultural projects and make a personal contribution to building a peaceful future.

Their words, filled with sincerity, reminded us that it is in the hands of young people that the formation of sustainable peace is possible. Youth diplomacy, imbued with enthusiasm and sincerity, can become the foundation of international mutual understanding.

Youth diplomacy, by its essence and nature, is the first small step towards peace. It is through such contacts that the first impression is born, which turns into sincere trust.

Warm Memories and Kind Words

Mr. Sun Weidong also recalled with obvious pleasure and warmth in his voice the meetings with Turkmen representatives on the sidelines of the Astana summit and conveyed sincere wishes of all the best to his Turkmen colleagues, thanking them for their work in strengthening interstate understanding and dialogue.

And we were extremely happy to hear from the lips of such a figure as Sun Weidong a request to convey words of greeting to the management of the ORIENT website of the MEDIA-TUKMEN information agency, with whom he fruitfully collaborated in Ashgabat and communicated at international forums.

Shaanxi – Turkmenistan: From Cultural Dialogue to Partnership

The eventful program continued with a meeting with Ms. Xin Shanping, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Party Committee and representative of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee for Good-Neighborliness and International Cooperation.

She enthusiastically shared her opinion on how the current relations between Turkmenistan and Shaanxi are built not only on economics and science, but also on deep cultural interaction. That exchanges in the cultural and educational sphere are the cornerstone of interaction between Shaanxi and Turkmenistan.

Xi'an and Mary are sister cities, and the Akhal velayat and Shaanxi province have become the first partners at the regional level in the history of our countries. This is more than a symbol. This is a solid foundation of mutual understanding and involvement.

Ms. Xin fondly recalled her visit to Ashgabat and the new city of Arkadag, once again emphasizing the potential for bilateral cooperation in the scientific and educational spheres. Thus, joint projects between the Northwestern Polytechnical University of Xi'an and Turkmen scientific institutions are already being implemented. And there are new horizons ahead, when such a dialogue, according to Ms. Xin, will only expand.

With a kind smile, she added: “In Xi'an, before they start building, they call in archaeologists. After all, wherever you dig, there is history everywhere.” This metaphor is not only about the city's rich heritage, but also about the depth of the interstate dialogue that Xi'an helps to build. For in international relations, it is also important to first understand the depth before building something new.

Shaanxi also remains one of China's economically dynamic regions. It produces a fifth of the country's coal, a seventh of... apples, and a quarter of the world's... kiwi harvest.

This amazing region combines the richness of history with modern development. And there are also wonderful people living here - kind, sympathetic and very hospitable. The same as us, Turkmens.

Instead of an Epilogue: Diplomacy Starting with Youth

The trip of a youth group of Turkmen journalists to Xi'an is more than an educational mission.

This is a step towards making the voices of the new generation heard on the international stage.

This is an example of how youth, with their idealism and openness, can be a mediator of peace and mutual understanding.

This is an example of how "soft power" and human connections form a sustainable platform for dialogue. In the halls of the Secretariat, in the institutions of Xi'an and on its streets - everywhere a single message was heard:

"We are different, but we strive for a common future!"

And in communication with representatives of Shaanxi Province, a simple but important message was heard:

"The world has a chance if it has young supporters!"

Because it is in such small steps - in a sincere smile, a warm handshake, an open conversation - that big changes are born.

And youth diplomacy today is the drops from which the seas of trust of tomorrow are formed.

Dzhumadurdy POTJIMOV,

Enejan KEPBANOVA

Photo: orient.tm