Recently, the delegation of women of Turkmenistan has visited the People’s Republic of China. During the visit, a number of meetings as well as familiarization with the culture of Chinese people took place. It has become another evidence of growing of Turkmen-Chinese relations in the cultural sphere into the new level.

Peoples of Turkmenistan and China are connected with centuries-old bonds of friendship, good neighbourhood and cooperation. The cultural-humanitarian dialogue between our countries plays an important role in mutual understanding and strengthening of trust. Adjustment of relations in such important spheres as culture, art, science, education, sports, promotes familiarization with the cultural heritage and spiritual values of two peoples.

At the same time, establishing a firm basis for stable and peace life on the planet, these relations show that humankind is united with such overall aims as life in harmony and achievement of the better future. Cultural diplomacy are a strategic investment in the long-term stability and prosperity. These relations demand consecutive efforts, readiness for open dialogue as well as mutual respect.

Cultural-humanitarian relations are an integral part of Turkmen-Chinese interstate cooperation. Actively developing these relations, our countries build strong bridges of friendship, which bring two people together, including at the diplomatic level.

Turkmenistan and China have a rich and ancient history, with special respect to national traditions and culture that creates a basis for mutual understanding. The mutual exchange of experience in the area of art, science, education and sports promotes the deepening of friendship. Exhibitions, festivals, concerts and other cultural events organised in our countries give our peoples a possibility to be acquainted with the unique cultural heritage each other.

Two friendly states also fruitfully co-operate in the field of science, education and technologies. Joint scientific projects, conferences and symposiums promote exchange of knowledge and experience in various areas, including energy, agriculture and information technology. Such partnership leads to encouragement of scientific progress in two countries.

Cultural-humanitarian cooperation forms a strong basis for deepening relations between Turkmenistan and China, creates conditions for strengthening mutual understanding and respect that is a guarantee of long term and stable bilateral relations. Their consecutive expansion in this sphere opens new possibilities for interaction and promotes well-being of both peoples.

On the first day of the visit, the head of the Türkmen delegation, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship Oguljahan Atabayeva met Minister of Education of the People Republic of China Huai Jinpeng.

The Minister of Education of the People’s Republic of China, having warmly greeted the guest, underlined that he was very glad to meet and highly appreciated the fact that the Charitable Foundation not only assists children needing guardianship, but also attaches a great significance to their receiving high quality inclusive education.

As was marked during the meeting, thanks to consecutive efforts of heads of two states Chinese-Turkmen relations dynamically develop. A new impulse to this interaction was given by the bilateral meeting of leaders of the People’s Republic of China and Turkmenistan within the Summit «Central Asia-China», held in June of the current year.

Having thanked for hospitality, the Vice-President of the Foundation underlined that the educational sphere is important for Turkmenistan, as it is directly connected with development of any society. In the given context, satisfaction with the possibility to discuss issues of further expansion of Turkmen-Chinese relations in the field of science and education was expressed.

Dynamic development of friendship between Turkmenistan and the People’s Republic of China in political, trade and economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres was marked with special satisfaction. The importance of regular and trustful dialogue at the higher political level was underlined.

Having told of the activity of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasised that, besides rendering medical services, the Foundation helps children to receive qualitative and inclusive education beginning from the preschool age. It was noted that the Charitable Foundation was created in 2021 at the initiative of National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedova for the purpose of comprehensive support of the younger generation, creation of favourable conditions for its happy life and assistance in recovery of health of children needing guardianship.

The Foundation plans to expand a spectrum of its activity, in particular, to consider a possibility of working in the education sphere. In the given context, she was interested in familiarization with experience of the Chinese education system in the field of development of children with limited possibilities.

As was marked, the education system of the People’s Republic of China is one of leading ones in the world. Turkmen students are trained in the People’s Republic of China, and the Chinese language is taught in higher and secondary educational institutions of our country. In this connection, the Chinese party, having noted a great significance, which Turkmenistan gives to development of education, confirmed readiness for continuation of academic exchanges and expansion of a spectrum of educational programs for Turkmen students.

During the meeting, efficiency of cooperation in the education sphere and sciences, the strengthening of the dialogue between higher educational institutions and research centres of two countries was pointed out with satisfaction. Besides it, Oguljahan Atabayeva expressed interest in exploration of experience of China in improvement of the special and inclusive education for children with limited possibilities and confirmed readiness to discuss issues of cooperation for the bright future of children.

The Minister of Education of the People’s Republic of China expressed complete support to initiatives of the Foundation and development of cooperation in issues of inclusive education, exchange of methods and the programs aimed at integration of children with limited possibilities in society.

At the end of the meeting, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship Oguljahan Atabayeva and Minister of Education of the People’s Republic of China Huai Jinpeng exchanged kind wishes.

Within their visit, the Turkmen delegation visited the historical palace complex "GuGong" located in the centre of Beijing. Throughout 500 years, it served as residence of imperial dynasties of Qin and Ming and now it is a museum. Construction of the palace began in 1406 and lasted for 15 years. In its erection, about 1 million workers and about 100 thousand other masters were employed.

The historical museum occupies 72 hectares, totals more than 980 buildings and over 8700 rooms. The ditch filled with water and a 10-metre wall surrounds the complex. As yellow was the official colour of Chinese emperors, roofs of the majority of buildings of the complex were painted with this colour.

In its territory, there is also a park with an area of 12 thousand square metres where the emperor with his family had a rest and walked. It was created in traditional Chinese style, harmoniously being combined with artificial hills, reservoirs and paths. In the ancient time, various celebratory actions were carried out there.

Members of the delegation of our country made a memorable photo in the historical palace complex "GuGong".

In the given context, it is necessary to point out that in the territory of Turkmenistan more than 1400 historical, cultural objects are located, and the majority of which are archaeological monuments. On the Turkmen land, there are monuments of first agricultural civilisation, such as Gonur-depe, Gara-depe, Namazga-depe, Altyn-depe, Jeytun and Anau. Old Nisa, Ancient Merv, Koneurgench, Ancient Dehistan, Ancient Serahs, Abiverd and fortress of Gokdepe are unique architectural constructions of last epoch representing fine open-air museums. Ancient Merv, Koneurgench and Nisa were included in the List of the UNESCO World Heritage as objects of global value.

According to historical data, the Turkmen people since the most ancient times supported political connections with China. In the X century BC, the Parthian kingdom established diplomatic relations with China, one of the powerful political powers of that time that promoted exchange of cultures.

The great Silk Road uniting our countries and peoples in the ancient time, served as the unique bridge not only for mutually beneficial trade relations, but also for development of cultural contact. Settling down in the centre of the trading road, the Turkmen land, through which cargo caravans from China passed to the countries of the Near East and Europe, connected the East and the West. Such Turkmen cities located along this route as Merv, Koneurgench and Nisa, were important centres of science and culture.

Thus, historical links of Turkmenistan and China have put a basis of centuries-old heritage. These relations effectively develop in the new historical epoch in various spheres.

Within the visit of the Turkmen delegation to the People’s Republic of China, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship Oguljahan Atabayeva met vice-minister of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China Zeng Yixin.

The Vice-President of the Foundation from herself personally and on behalf of members of the Turkmen delegation expressed gratitude for warm reception and noted that within the visit, fruitful meetings were held with representatives of the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

The vice-minister of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, having warmly greeted the guest, highly appreciated fruitfully developing humanitarian relations between two countries.

During the meeting adherence of the parties to the further strengthening of traditional friendship in the humanitarian sphere was underlined. In that connection, Oguljahan Atabayeva pointed out that Turkmenistan is interested in experience of China in the area of public health services.

Readiness of the friendly country to share its wide experience and technologies was expressed. Zeng Yixin marked that it is considered as an important contribution to development of global healthcare system.

As was informed, the Foundation promotes introduction of modern methods of treatment and medical technologies, advanced world experience in paediatrics.

Touching upon the system of public health services of Turkmenistan, the Vice-President of the Foundation noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Government program «Saglyk», which continues to form a basis of development of national system of public health services. Within the realisation of the program for today more than 100 modern medical institutions, including hospitals, polyclinics and medical centres have been constructed.

The Chinese party highly appreciated achievements of Turkmenistan in the given sphere and pointed out prospects of implementation of profile complex programs.

During the conversation, the sides displayed interest in consideration of prospects of cooperation with China in the sphere of increase of professional level of medical personnel. At the same time, Oguljahan Atabayeva noted readiness for exploration of experience of Chinese colleagues in treatment of oncological and genetic diseases of children.

The Chinese party expressed readiness to impart experience and conduct joint researches in these important areas, having emphasised the necessity of international cooperation to combat complex children's diseases.

At the end of the meeting, it was underlined that medicine is the constantly developing and improved sphere. In this connection, the parties expressed confidence in continuation of the fruitful dialogue in the field of public health services and exchanged best regards.

During the visit to the friendly country, members of the delegation of our country visited the Chinese Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Centre for Young People.

There  guests were welcomed warmly by Ms. Shen Beili, Deputy Chairperson of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation of the People’s Republic of China.

Acquaintance with the Centre started with the video presentation of its many-sided activity, basic areas of which are science popularisation, development of technical skills, cultural exchanges and education of the growing generation in the spirit of friendship and cooperation.

Then, members of the Turkmen delegation visited the kindergarten of the Centre and familiarised with modern methods of training and education, and the conditions created for harmonious development of children.

In particular, by means of interactive devices children are acquainted with organic laws of physics and mechanics, develop a small and large motility, and creative abilities.

In the classes, «light and colours» children draw with light on special screens. Such games develop creative skills.

In classes, «Sounds of nature» children are acquainted with the world of sounds. They listen to the sounds made by various living beings, and take sounds from unusual musical instruments. Similar classes of game promote development of creative and musical abilities in children.

In this regard, one should note that in our country the Children's health and rehabilitation centre named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and inclusive kindergarten for 150 children operate and everything necessary for children with limited possibilities to get modern education, restore health and integrate into society, is provided there.

Then, Vice-President of the Foundation Oguljahan Atabayeva visited the department of the Centre «Space of innovations». There children master programming and designing fundamentals, create models of robots. Besides it, they get education in 3D and digital modelling, and artificial intelligence.

There is the section devoted to study of heavenly bodies that promotes formation of interest of children in astronomy and natural sciences.

In the Centre, the Turkmen delegation acquainted with the children's complex of attractions where children have a good time that promotes development of their physical activity.

During the excursion to the Centre, the Vice-President of the Foundation made a memorable photo with children studying there and handed them gifts.

The ancient Chinese art of preparation of tea was shown to the Turkmen delegation. This tradition of the Chinese people allows not only to take pleasure from the drink, but also to understand its philosophy.

In this connection, it is necessary to point out that tea also takes a special place in Turkmen culture. At a cup of tea important state issues were discussed, tea drinking promotes strengthening of friendly human relations. Besides it, this drink possesses useful properties. In traditional and national medicine, it is used to improve immunity.

In the Centre, the section of national culture and cultural heritage, the basic mission of which is preservation and popularisation of national culture by means of interactive lessons, also operates.

Highly skilled teachers of the section rain children in various areas of national culture, including calligraphy, fine arts, chess, and embroidery.

As known, in October 2023, spouse of National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Ogulgerek Berdimuhamedov met spouse of the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping - Peng Liyuan.

In 2024 during the visit of Vice-Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Shen Yueyue to our country was asked to transfer a gift for the family of the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping - an embroidery of the granddaughter of the National Leader of the Turkmen people Ayjeren with the image of panda.

Turkmen women with their skilled hands create fine carpets and embroideries. Their creations - a bright symbol of unsurpassed skill and indefatigable work. Throughout centuries, this original art was transferred from mother to daughter, from generation to generation and became a unique school of education. Good breeding, high culture, philanthropy, respect of young for seniors are the principles inherent in our people.

Maintenance of gender equality in our country, preservation of family values, education of physically strong and well-educated younger generation - one of the priorities of the state policy realised by the President of Turkmenistan.

During the excursion to the Centre Oguljahan Atabayeva were displayed female costumes and historical ornaments of times of dynasties of Ming and Qing and also fragments from the Chinese opera that allowed to plunge into the world of ancient Chinese arts, differing with its originality.

At the end of acquaintance with the Centre, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship Oguljahan Atabayeva wished further fruitful work and made a memorable note as a token of friendship.

Within the visit of the delegation of our country to the People’s Republic of China, Oguljahan Atabayeva also met Chairperson of the Soon Qing Ling Foundation of the Chinese National Republic Li Bin.

The Vice-President of the Charitable Foundation has expressed gratitude for the invitation to visit China, shown hospitality and for possibility to discuss perspective projects and to familiarise with the work of the Soon Qing Ling Foundation.

Ms. Li Bin warmly thanked Oguljahan Atabayeva for the accepted invitation and expressed confidence that this visit will stimulate development of cooperation in all interesting areas, including education and children's healthcare.

The chairperson of the Soon Qing Ling Foundation noted that Chinese and Turkmen peoples since ancient times support friendship, and underlined the significance of participation of Hero Arkadag in the summit «One belt, one road» in 2023, participation of the Chairman of the PRC in summits «Central Asia-China» and meetings in their frameworks in development of mutual relations.

Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that she was deeply impressed by the activity of Ms. Soon Qing Ling, having underlined that assistance to friendly relations between the countries and peoples, strengthening of peace are the principles inherent in Turkmen and Chinese peoples.

As was underlined during the meeting, China is one of the close partners of Turkmenistan. Our countries successfully co-operate in political-diplomatic, trade and economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres.

In the given context, they considered that by means of cooperation of two Foundations one can enrich the Turkmen-Chinese humanitarian relations with the new content.

It was noted that, besides assistance to the strengthening of international contacts, the Soon Qing Ling Foundation gives particular attention to issues of health protection of women and children, promotes development of culture, scientific and educational exchanges.

- Many of these areas are also very important for us. The priority of the activity of the Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship under the leadership of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedova is health protection, high-grade development of children and creation for this purpose favourable conditions, - Oguljahan Atabayeva said and pointed out that on March 29 of the current year on the occasion of the 4th anniversary of the establishment of the Foundation in Arkadag city the International conference «Year of peace and trust: development of the international activity for the benefit of children» was held.

During that action, in which the delegation of the Soon Qing Ling Foundation led by Ms. Shen Beili participated, the exchange of opinions concerning international humanitarian cooperation, in particular, in the sphere of protection of motherhood and childhood took place.

Ms. Li Bin underlined the importance of the given International forum and expressed sincere gratitude for the hospitality rendered to the Chinese party on the Turkmen land.

At the meeting, it was noted that the Charitable Foundation from the moment of its creation has successfully realised a number of effective programs in the spheres of public health services, social protection, science and education.

As was underlined, the special attention is given to rendering assistance to children needing treatment and those who have remained without parental guardianship in the work of the Foundation, after all care of health and well-being of the growing generation – a pledge of the stable future.

Oguljahan Atabayeva pointed out that the Foundation is aimed at further perfection of the activity and interested in exchange of experience, having underlined that the Turkmen party is ready to consider socially focused projects.

Ms. Li Bin expressed confidence that cooperation of two foundations will promote strengthening of well-being of society by means of realisation of joint projects aimed at health protection of the growing generation and creation of possibilities for receiving high quality inclusive education.

Then, the Memorandum of mutual understanding between the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship and Soon Qing Ling Foundation was signed.

Within the visit of the Turkmen delegation to the People’s Republic of China, the Vice-President of the Charitable Foundation Oguljahan Atabayeva also met Shen Yueyue, Vice-Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and President of the Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Having warmly greeted the guest, Ms. Shen Yueyue underlined that the visit of the Turkmen delegation evidently displays the indestructible Chinese-Turkmen friendship originating from the times of the great Silk road and highly appreciated the fact that with the assistance of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship humanitarian cooperation between our countries comes out to a qualitatively new level. She also shared warm memoirs on the visit to Turkmenistan in 2024 and asked to convey to the spouse of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Ms. Ogulgerek Berdimuhamedova warm greetings and best regards.

The Vice-President of the Foundation thanked the leadership of the People’s Republic of China for hospitality and a high-level organization of the visit and marked that she was deeply impressed by fine sights of Beijing. Taking an opportunity, Oguljahan Atabayeva conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan as well as National Leader of the Turkmen people Hero-Arkadag to the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping and Premier of the State Council Li Qiang.

As was marked during the meeting, Turkmenistan and China successfully co-operate both in the bilateral format and within the international and regional structures. Approaches of two states coincide in issues of strengthening universal peace and safety, expansion of friendship between countries and peoples.

In its centre lies an overall aim for all-around development and strengthening of friendship between two people, which take their origin from the depth of centuries.

- We have arrived in China with a noble mission of strengthening humanitarian cooperation, which at present, is successfully carried out in spheres of science, education, culture and sports, - noted Oguljahan Atabayeva and as the Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Charitable Foundation expressed interest in expansion of interaction in the field of health protection of children, inclusive education and exploration of issues of rendering social support to needing citizens.

As was marked, the Foundation co-operates with official bodies, public organisations and civil society at the national level for rendering assistance to children, facing problems of health and other vital difficulties.

Readiness of the Turkmen party for joint work with the Chinese colleagues and exchange of experience was also underlined. With these purposes, the Memorandum of mutual understanding between Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship and Soon Qing Ling Foundation was signed.

Ms. Shen Yueyue underlined that the Chinese party will use the best efforts for realisation of the signed Memorandum in practice for the cause of the most valuable asset of our countries - children.

At the end of the meeting, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship Oguljahan Atabayeva and Vice-Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and President of the Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Ms. Shen Yueyue exchanged wishes of sound health, well-being and successes in their activity.

Within the visit of the Turkmen delegation to the friendly country, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Charitable Foundation Oguljahan Atabayeva also met Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng.

Having warmly greeted the guest, Gong Zheng noted that it was a great honour for him to have this meeting and expressed confidence that the present visit of Oguljahan Atabayeva will bring out bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian sphere to a qualitatively new level.

Having thanked for hospitality, the Vice-President of the Foundation pointed out that relations between Turkmenistan and China have a rich history. Today these relations are   consistently developed on a wide spectrum of areas.

Speaking of the work of the foundation, Oguljahan Atabayeva underlined that the care of health and well-being of children is the main task of the Foundation, which was created at the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Hero-Arkadag.

Having noticed that the present visit of the Turkmen delegation to China is aimed at expansion of international cooperation, the Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Foundation underlined that China, as a reliable partner in the trade and economic sphere, occupies one of the leading countries in the field of medicine and technologies. In that regard, she displayed interest in the experience, which was saved by the friendly state in the system of public health services, in particular, in the field of health protection and rehabilitation of children.

The Mayor of Shanghai noted that the scope of the work of the Foundation, its adherence to principles of humanism and universal values make great impression on him.

At the end of the meeting, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship Oguljahan Atabayeva and Mayor of Shanghai Gong Zheng, having underlined that the dialogue in this area will be continued for the benefit of children, exchanged best regards.

Thus, the visit of the delegation of women of Turkmenistan to the People’s Republic of China served evident demonstration of intensification of international cooperation in spheres of public health services and education.