The President of Turkmenistan sent a congratulatory message to President of China Xi Jinping on the occasion of the Lunar New Year. The head of state emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership, which promises to be even more dynamic in 2026, the Year of the Horse.

In his message, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the Spring Festival represents renewal and hope for peace. This year has special symbolism for Turkmenistan and China: the image of the horse—a sacred animal for the Turkmen—aligns with the Eastern zodiac for the coming year, emphasizing the unbreakable cultural and spiritual bond between the peoples.

Diplomatic trust is supported by impressive figures. By the beginning of 2026, Turkmen-Chinese relations had reached a new historical high:

Turkmenistan maintains its status as a strategic energy partner, providing a significant share of China's pipeline gas imports, making our countries the foundation of Asia's energy architecture.

Chinese companies (primarily CNPC) continue to actively invest in the development of the giant Galkynysh field. Preparations are currently underway for the fourth phase of the field's development, which will increase gas exports by another 30 billion cubic meters per year.

China views Turkmenistan as a crucial link in the architecture of the revived Great Silk Road. This applies not only to the coastal provinces but also to China's inland industrial hubs (such as Xi'an and Chengdu), for which the overland route through Turkmenistan provides the shortest access to Western markets.

As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, our countries are developing multimodal corridors that link mainland China's manufacturing capacity with the Caspian region's logistics system and facilitate the transit of goods further afield to the Caucasus, Turkey, and the European Union, transforming the port of Turkmenbashi into Central Asia's "western gateway" for Chinese goods.

The Symbolism of the "Fire Horse" in Diplomacy

In Eastern tradition, the Year of the Fire Horse (which began on February 17, 2026) is considered a period of rapid change, high energy, and decisive action. In Chinese mythology, it is a time for "great accomplishments."

For Ashgabat, this symbolism aligns with the motto for 2026: "Independent and Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses." The coincidence of the year's symbols in both countries creates a unique emotional backdrop for the implementation of the most ambitious joint projects—from the construction of new gas pipelines to the digitalization of the Great Silk Road.