From May 11 to 13, 2025, the first meeting of the Ministers of Education of Central Asian countries and China was held in Urumqi, in which the Minister of Education of Turkmenistan J. Gurbangeldiyev took part. The key topic of the meeting was the deepening of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field of education within the framework of the "Central Asia - China" format.

J. Gurbangeldiyev emphasized the importance of regular ministerial meetings to exchange experience in the field of educational technologies, including digital education, artificial intelligence and ICT. He noted the need to exchange knowledge both between the countries of the region and with China, a long-standing and important partner of Turkmenistan in education. The meeting discussed joint projects in the field of student and teacher exchange, as well as the introduction of advanced educational methods. Turkmenistan highly appreciated China's experience in training specialists in foreign languages, digital technologies and sciences, actively developing the study of the Chinese language in its universities.

The Minister also reported on the fruitful exchange of teachers and students, as well as joint scientific and educational projects within the framework of the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and China. Currently, more than a thousand students in nine universities and 5,700 schoolchildren in ten schools in Turkmenistan study the Chinese language. The participation of Turkmen and Chinese representatives in international Olympiads and cultural events contributes to the strengthening of humanitarian ties between the countries.

As part of the visit, a bilateral meeting was held between J. Gurbangeldiev and his Chinese counterpart, at which they discussed issues of joint training of teachers, expanding the teaching of the Chinese language in Turkmenistan, as well as deepening cooperation in vocational and higher education. The parties also exchanged views on the further use of Chinese grants and the possibility of creating joint educational laboratories on artificial intelligence.

In addition, the ongoing selection of 100 young Turkmen citizens for undergraduate studies at universities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China was announced.

Thus, cooperation in the “Central Asia – China” format continues to develop dynamically, strengthening educational ties and promoting general partnership between the countries of the region and China.