On June 22, the delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the Forum on the Development of Cooperation between China and Central Asia and the Third International Communication Conference “Silk Road”. The event, organized by the largest news agency of the People’s Republic of China “Xinhua” together with the Television and Radio Complex of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Heads and representatives of leading state news agencies, print and online media, media and expert centers of the People’s Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, also attended the meeting.
The agenda included issues related to deepening media cooperation in the “Central Asia-China” format, expanding the new narrative of international communication, protecting cultural heritage, and continuing to write a new chapter in the history of the Silk Road civilization, as well as promoting Eurasian connectivity and creating a new narrative of international synergetic development.
The speakers stated, the dialogue between China and the Central Asian countries is successfully developing in all areas, which is largely facilitated by the trusting relations between the heads of state. In this context, the significance of the second Central Asia-China Summit held on June 17 with the participation of the heads of state and the importance of the reached agreements were emphasized.
The speeches of representatives from Turkmenistan noted that the Turkmen state, which is pursuing a constructive foreign policy based on the principles of positive neutrality under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, attaches special importance to the development of international cooperation in the information sphere. This area is also one of the priority vectors of multilateral partnership within the “Central Asia-China” format.
During the forum, it was noted that in the era of digital transformation, when the global media space is facing unprecedented challenges, from fakes to a crisis of trust in traditional sources of information, collaboration is becoming particularly relevant. In this context, media cooperation is considered not as an auxiliary area, but as one of the main elements of sustainable development and mutual understanding between China and Central Asia. At the same time, the common goal of all participants is sustainable development and a common future.
Based on the importance of further strengthening cooperation in the field of mass media, the forum participants announced a number of specific initiatives. In particular, proposals were put forward for the implementation of joint media projects, including the creation of documentaries and analytical materials about the commonality of history and cultural heritage, and for coordinating activities within international organizations to promote coordinated information strategies
The forum in Astana once again confirmed that the countries are striving not just for partnership, but also for building a unified strategic architecture for the future.
