St. Petersburg, November 22, 2025 – The Europe Today: A Turkmen delegation led by Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, visited St. Petersburg on November 19–20, 2025, to participate in the 4th International Forum “Commonwealth of Fashion.”
During the visit, Atabayeva held a series of high-level meetings aimed at deepening cooperation in humanitarian, medical, cultural, and social sectors.
Cultural Engagement and Opening Events
The delegation began its program with a visit to the State Hermitage Museum. Following the tour, Atabayeva highlighted the unifying role of culture and art in strengthening ties between nations and expressed gratitude to the Russian side for organizing the visit. A commemorative photograph was taken with members of the Turkmen delegation.
Talks with Biomedical and Charitable Foundations
Atabayeva met with Yekaterina Dibrova, President of the V.P. Filatov International Foundation for the Development of Biomedical Technologies, at the historic Tauride Palace. Both sides discussed opportunities for collaboration in biomedical innovation, with Turkmenistan emphasizing its long-term national program supporting advanced medical technologies. Dibrova praised the Turkmen Foundation’s humanitarian work, noting the potential for joint efforts to enhance children’s healthcare.
In subsequent remarks, Atabayeva stressed that the Charity Fund’s mission includes assisting children in need through improved diagnostics, prevention, and treatment. More than 700 surgeries have been financed by the Foundation, which also operates a rehabilitation center and an inclusive kindergarten serving hundreds of children annually.
Participation in Health-Focused Forum Session
At the “Being Healthy is Fashionable” session of the forum, Atabayeva underscored Turkmenistan’s commitment to public health, citing the achievements of the State Program Saglyk and cooperation with international organizations such as UNDP, WHO, UNFPA, and UNICEF. She reiterated Turkmenistan’s readiness to expand partnerships and share best practices, particularly in maternal and child health.
Meetings with Russian Social and Humanitarian Leaders
A meeting was held with Diana Gurtskaya, First Deputy Chair of the Commission for the Development of Social Interaction, Guardianship, and Inclusive Practices of the Civic Chamber of Russia. Gurtskaya commended the Foundation’s exemplary work, while Atabayeva noted the significance of the meeting coinciding with World Children’s Day and lauded Gurtskaya’s contribution to child welfare.
Atabayeva also met with Yekaterina Rogozhina, Director of the Georgin Foundation for Assistance to Children with Musculoskeletal Disabilities. Both foundations identified promising avenues for cooperation in treatment, rehabilitation, and educational support for children.
High-Level Talks with Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko
In a key engagement, Atabayeva met with Valentina Matviyenko, Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation. Matviyenko praised the Charity Fund as a model of humanitarian service initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Hero Arkadag. She conveyed greetings to Turkmen leadership and expressed readiness to expand cooperation.
Atabayeva shared updates on international humanitarian assistance activities led by the Foundation, including support for children in Russia, Türkiye, Afghanistan, Palestine, Tajikistan, and other countries. She also invited Russian participation in the upcoming international conference “The Role of Women in Modern Society”, scheduled for December 10 in the Avaza National Tourist Zone.
Forum Exhibition and Fashion Show
Atabayeva and Matviyenko toured the forum’s exhibition, featuring works by prominent designers, major brands, and companies from CIS states and international partners. Atabayeva also attended a fashion show presenting collections from designers across the Russian Federation, CIS countries, and abroad.
Strengthening Turkmen–Russian Humanitarian Cooperation
The visit concluded with both sides expressing confidence that the meetings and agreements reached in St. Petersburg would contribute to strengthening long-term humanitarian collaboration between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation, particularly in healthcare, cultural exchange, and support for children in need.
