On July 29, a reception dedicated to the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army of China was held at the Yildiz Hotel in Ashgabat. The event was attended by the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan, Ji Shumin.

Colonel Begmurat Soltanov, Deputy Minister of Defense of Turkmenistan and Head of the Main Directorate, addressed the reception on behalf of the Turkmen side. He conveyed congratulations on behalf of the Minister of Defense and Secretary of the State Security Council of Turkmenistan, as well as on his own behalf and on behalf of all personnel of the country's armed forces, to the servicemen and personnel of the Chinese army.

In his speech, Colonel Soltanov noted that the state's armed forces serve as the guarantee of maintaining peace, national security, and the country's territorial integrity, while combat potential and morale are the two main pillars of the army. He emphasized the strategic and long-term nature of Turkmen-Chinese relations, which contribute to stability and development in the region.

Particular attention was paid to cooperation between the defense ministries of the two countries. According to the Deputy Minister, military-technical cooperation and cooperation in military education remain priority areas of interaction. He reminded that in recent years, important contracts have been signed between the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan and a number of major enterprises in the Chinese defense industry, and expressed the Turkmen side's interest in further expanding productive cooperation in these areas, taking into account mutual interests.

Senior Colonel Huang Lei, Military Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan, spoke on the Chinese side. He reminded that the People's Liberation Army of China was founded in 1927 under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and, for 99 years, has contributed to national independence, liberation, and prosperity, as well as maintaining peace and stability. According to him, the Chinese army remains committed to protecting the country's state sovereignty, security, and interests and opposes any form of separatism and external interference in China's internal affairs.

The military attaché also noted that relations between the armed forces of China and Turkmenistan continue to reach new heights, and practical cooperation in various areas is steadily strengthening. He reaffirmed China's readiness to work with its Turkmen partners to implement the agreements reached and continue to develop cooperation between the two countries.

The reception was hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan. Guests were treated to Turkmen and international cuisine, as well as a selection of Chinese dishes.