A landmark event marking a new milestone in the development of humanitarian dialogue between the two countries was held at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan. The Chinese Ambassador Scholarship awards ceremony was held in a festive atmosphere. Ten Turkmen university and school students, who demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the Chinese language as well as a deep understanding of Chinese culture and traditions, became recipients of the prestigious scholarship.
Ji Shumin, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan, addressed the participants, diplomats, representatives of educational institutions, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan with a welcoming speech. In his remarks, the head of the diplomatic mission highly praised the aspirations of Turkmen youth and emphasized the strategic importance of educational cooperation.
"First of all, I would like to congratulate all the award recipients on their well-deserved recognition. We are in the presence of truly talented university and school students who have been studying the Chinese language with great dedication for a long time. Their interest in China, its language, and its culture is deeply encouraging. Today, educational cooperation between China and Turkmenistan is developing very successfully," stated the head of the diplomatic mission.
The diplomat also emphasized that both China and Turkmenistan are witnessing a steady growth in mutual interest in each other's cultural heritage.
"This trend is clear evidence of the dynamic, comprehensive, and harmonious development of bilateral relations across all key areas. Today, academic cooperation has reached an impressive scale. More than 10,000 citizens of Turkmenistan are currently studying at universities and higher education institutions throughout the People's Republic of China. At the same time, the number of Chinese students studying in Turkmenistan continues to grow steadily. This expanding academic exchange clearly demonstrates mutual trust and opens broad prospects for further strengthening practical cooperation," said Ji Shumin.
The Ambassador noted that the foundation for such active rapprochement lies in the trusting relationship established at the highest state level. An important milestone in this regard was the friendly visit to China in March by the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. During his talks with President Xi Jinping, key agreements were reached on further deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership, while priority areas for long-term bilateral cooperation were clearly defined.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ji Shumin expressed his sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan for their continued support of joint educational initiatives. He also warmly thanked teachers for their noble work.
Recalling the well-known saying, "Learn Chinese, and you will gain friends all over the world," Ji Shumin wished the young scholarship recipients good health, happiness, and every success in their future studies and personal lives. He expressed confidence that the younger generation would continue to strengthen the sincere bonds of friendship connecting the two brotherly nations.
