As part of the visit of the Turkmen delegation to the PRC, a meeting was held between Oguljahan Atabaeva, Vice-President for Medical Affairs of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need, and Ms. Li Bin, Chairperson of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation of China.

O. Atabaeva expressed gratitude for the invitation to China and for the hospitality shown, noting her satisfaction with the opportunity to discuss concrete future projects and to become more familiar with the work of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation.

Ms. Li Bin warmly welcomed Oguljahan Atabaeva on behalf of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, expressing appreciation for accepting the invitation, and voiced confidence that this visit would provide impetus to the development of cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, including education and children’s healthcare.

The Chairperson emphasized that the Chinese and Turkmen peoples have maintained friendly relations since ancient times. She highlighted in particular the importance of the participation of Hero Arkadag at the “Belt and Road” Summit in 2023, as well as the participation of the Honorable President in the “Central Asia — China” summits and his meetings with President Xi Jinping within these frameworks for the advancement of bilateral cooperation.

O. Atabaeva noted that the personal achievements of Ms. Soong Ching Ling had left a deep impression on her, and stressed that strengthening friendly relations between countries and peoples, and maintaining peace, are principles shared by both the Turkmen and Chinese nations. It was emphasized that China is one of Turkmenistan’s closest partners, with the two countries successfully cooperating in political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. In this context, confidence was expressed that cooperation between the two foundations would enrich Turkmen-Chinese humanitarian relations with new meaning.

“The Soong Ching Ling Foundation, in addition to promoting international relations, pays special attention to protecting the health of women and children, advancing culture, and strengthening scientific and educational ties. Many of these areas are also of great importance to us. Under the leadership of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, our Foundation’s work is focused on prioritizing human health and development, and creating favorable conditions for this,” said O. Atabaeva. She noted that on March 29 of this year, on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the Foundation’s establishment, the international conference “Year of Peace and Trust: Advancing International Cooperation for the Sake of Children” was held in Arkadag city, with the participation of a delegation of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation led by Ms. Shen Beili. During the forum, views were exchanged on strengthening international humanitarian cooperation, in particular in the field of protecting motherhood and childhood.

Ms. Li Bin emphasized the importance of this international forum and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the hospitality extended to the Chinese side on Turkmen soil.

During the meeting, it was noted that since its establishment, the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need has successfully implemented numerous effective programs in the fields of healthcare, social support, science, and education. The Foundation pays particular attention to assisting children in need of medical treatment, as well as children left without parental care, since concern for the health and well-being of the younger generation is the guarantee of a sustainable future. O. Atabaeva stated that the Foundation intends to further improve its activities, is interested in exchanging experiences, and confirmed the Turkmen side’s readiness to consider socially-oriented projects.

Ms. Li Bin expressed confidence that cooperation between the two foundations through joint projects aimed at protecting the health of the younger generation and creating opportunities for them to receive quality inclusive education would help strengthen well-being in society.

At the end of the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need and the Soong Ching Ling Foundation of China.