On 22 August 2025, in Beijing, Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship met with Li Bin, Vice-Chairperson of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Chairperson of the Soon Qing Ling Foundation, according to the “Silk Road: New Development” portal.
The Soon Qing Ling Foundation, one of China’s most prominent non-governmental charitable organizations, was established in 1982 and named after Sun Yat-sen’s wife, Soong Ching-ling, Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China.
Li Bin warmly welcomed Atabayeva and her delegation, emphasizing that the friendship between China and Turkmenistan has deep historical roots, with the peoples of both nations maintaining close ties for many years. She noted that in recent years, bilateral relations have shown steady progress: political mutual trust is strengthening, practical cooperation is deepening, and close coordination is maintained on the international stage. In June 2025, the leaders of China and Turkmenistan participated in the second China-Central Asia Summit, where they discussed prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation, outlining new goals for the development of bilateral relations.
According to Li Bin, the Soon Qing Ling Foundation highly values cooperation with Turkmenistan’s organizations and is ready to work together to implement the agreements reached by the leaders of both countries. The Foundation aims to foster exchanges and collaboration in the fields of children’s healthcare, education, and culture, while also inviting Turkmen youth to participate in its programs to strengthen people-to-people ties.
Atabayeva expressed gratitude for the warm reception and noted that China was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Turkmenistan. She highly praised the cooperation in political, economic, and humanitarian spheres and expressed admiration for Soong Ching-ling’s lifelong dedication to international peace and the advancement of women and children’s causes.
Atabayeva emphasized that the Soon Qing Ling Foundation’s efforts in strengthening international ties and supporting children align with the mission of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable foundation, creating broad prospects for cooperation. Turkmenistan is eager to learn from China’s experience in promoting children’s development and to strengthen its partnership with the Soon Qing Ling Foundation to enrich the strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Following the meeting, Li Bin and Atabayeva signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Soon Qing Ling Foundation and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, formalizing their commitment to deepening collaboration.
Prior to the meeting, Atabayeva visited the Soon Qing Ling Youth Science, Technology, and Cultural Exchange Center, where she watched a performance by the children’s art group “Angels of Peace.” The events were also attended by Shen Beili and Zhang Jiming, Vice-Chairpersons of the Soon Qing Ling Foundation. ///nCa, 26 August 2025