On July 29, the Yyldyz Hotel in Ashgabat hosted a formal reception marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. The event brought together senior Turkmen defense officials, foreign diplomats, and representatives of the Chinese Embassy, led by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan, Xi Xumin.

Representing the Turkmen side, Colonel Begmyrat Soltanov, Deputy Minister of Defense and Head of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan, delivered an official address. On behalf of the Minister of Defense and Secretary of the State Security Council of Turkmenistan, as well as the personnel of the Armed Forces, Colonel Soltanov extended warm congratulations to PLA service members and personnel.

In his speech, Colonel Soltanov highlighted that the Armed Forces serve as a reliable guarantee of peace, national security, and territorial integrity. He underlined that military power rests on two core pillars: combat capability and moral-spiritual readiness. He further reaffirmed the strategic, long-term nature of Turkmen-Chinese relations, which foster regional stability and economic development.

Emphasis was placed on defense partnership, particularly in military-technical cooperation and military education. Colonel Soltanov noted that several key contracts have been concluded between Turkmenistan's Ministry of Defense and major enterprises of China's defense-industrial complex, expressing Ashgabat’s intent to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in these fields.

Speaking on behalf of China, Senior Colonel Huang Lei, Military Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan, recalled the PLA's history since its founding in 1927 under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. He underscored the PLA’s historical role in safeguarding national independence and sovereignty while promoting global peace. Senior Colonel Huang emphasized that China’s military remains committed to defending national interests, opposing all forms of separatism, and countering external interference.

He praised the growing defense ties between China and Turkmenistan, stating that practical cooperation across various domains continues to strengthen. He affirmed China’s readiness to work alongside Turkmen partners to implement high-level agreements and advance bilateral relations.

Organized by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Turkmenistan, the evening concluded with a reception featuring a rich selection of Chinese national cuisine alongside Turkmen and international dishes.