A delegation of Turkmen women, led by Oguljahan Atabaeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assisting Children in Need of Guardianship, recently visited the People’s Republic of China. The visit included a series of meetings and an introduction to Chinese culture, as reported by TDH.
Meeting with the Minister of Education
On the first day of the visit, Oguljahan Atabaeva met with Huai Jinpeng, the Minister of Education of the People’s Republic of China. The Minister warmly welcomed the guest, expressing delight at the meeting and commending the Charitable Foundation for not only providing assistance to children in need but also prioritizing their access to quality inclusive education.
The meeting highlighted the dynamic development of Chinese-Turkmen relations, driven by the consistent efforts of the leaders of both nations. A significant boost to this cooperation was the bilateral meeting between the leaders of China and Turkmenistan during the Central Asia–China Summit in June 2025.
Oguljahan Atabaeva emphasized the importance of education for Turkmenistan, noting its direct connection to societal development. She highlighted the Charitable Foundation’s efforts to provide medical services and ensure quality inclusive education for children starting from preschool age. The Foundation aims to expand its activities, particularly in education, and expressed interest in studying China’s experience in supporting children with disabilities. Atabaeva confirmed Turkmenistan’s readiness to explore cooperation to secure a brighter future for children.
The Chinese Minister expressed full support for the Foundation’s initiatives and collaboration on inclusive education, including the exchange of methodologies and programs to integrate children with disabilities into society.
Visit to the Forbidden City
The Turkmen delegation visited the historic Forbidden City (Gugong) in central Beijing, a former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, now a museum. Construction of the palace began in 1406 and took 15 years, involving around one million workers and 100,000 artisans.
Spanning 72 hectares, the complex includes over 980 buildings with more than 8,700 rooms, surrounded by a moat and a 10-meter wall. The yellow roofs, a symbol of imperial China, dominate the complex.
The delegation also explored a 12,000-square-meter park within the complex, designed in traditional Chinese style with artificial hills, ponds, and pathways, once used for imperial family leisure and festive events. The Turkmen delegation took a commemorative photo at the site.
Meeting with the Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Healthcare
During the visit, Oguljahan Atabaeva met with Zeng Yixin, Deputy Chairman of the National Health Commission of the PRC.
Atabaeva expressed Turkmenistan’s interest in studying China’s healthcare experience.
Zeng Yixin confirmed China’s readiness to share knowledge, technologies, and best practices, emphasizing their importance for global healthcare development.
Atabaeva highlighted Turkmenistan’s achievements under the “Saglyk” (Health) state program, which has led to the construction of over 100 modern medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized centers equipped with advanced technology.
The discussion focused on prospects for cooperation in training medical personnel and studying China’s experience in diagnosing and treating pediatric oncological and genetic diseases.
The Chinese side confirmed its commitment to joint research and experience exchange in combating serious pediatric conditions, noting the critical role of international collaboration. Both parties underscored the dynamic nature of medicine, requiring continuous improvement and knowledge sharing, and expressed confidence in furthering bilateral healthcare cooperation.
Turkmen Delegation Visits Soong Ching Ling China Youth Center
As part of a working visit to the People’s Republic of China, a Turkmen delegation, led by Oguljahan Atabaeva, Vice-President of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, visited the Soong Ching Ling China Youth Center for Science, Technology, and Cultural Exchange.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Ms. Shen Beili, Deputy Chairman of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation. The visit began with a video presentation highlighting the Center’s key activities: promoting science, developing technical skills, fostering cultural exchange, and nurturing youth in the spirit of friendship and cooperation.
The delegation toured the Center’s kindergarten, where they observed modern teaching methods and conditions designed for children’s holistic development. Interactive tools help children explore physics, develop motor skills, and unleash creativity. For instance, “Light and Colors” classes allow children to draw with light on special screens, while “Sounds of Nature” introduces them to various sounds through unique musical instruments.
At the “Innovation Space” department, the delegation learned about programs in programming, design, 3D modeling, and artificial intelligence. The astronomy section, fostering interest in natural sciences, was particularly noteworthy. The delegation also visited an amusement complex promoting children’s physical activity.
During the visit, Oguljahan Atabaeva took a commemorative photo with the children and presented them with gifts.
The delegation experienced a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, reflecting the nation’s cultural philosophy.
The Center also focuses on preserving national cultural heritage, with teachers instructing children in calligraphy, fine arts, chess, and embroidery.
The delegation was shown women’s costumes and jewelry from the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as excerpts from Chinese opera, immersing them in ancient Chinese art.
Meeting with the Head of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation
During the visit, Oguljahan Atabaeva met with Li Bin, Head of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation.
Li Bin emphasized the centuries-old friendly ties between the Turkmen and Chinese peoples, highlighting the significance of the Turkmen National Leader’s participation in the 2023 “One Belt, One Road” Summit and the Chinese President’s visits to the “Central Asia–China” Summits. These events have strengthened bilateral relations.
Atabaeva expressed admiration for Soong Ching Ling’s legacy, noting that principles of peace, friendship, and cooperation resonate with both nations. The meeting underscored China’s role as a key partner for Turkmenistan in political, economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Cooperation between the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation and the Soong Qing Ling Foundation opens new avenues for enriching humanitarian ties.
Li Bin outlined the Soong Ching Ling Foundation’s priorities, including women’s and children’s health, cultural development, and educational exchanges.
Atabaeva highlighted similar goals, noting that Turkmenistan’s Foundation, under the leadership of the National Leader, prioritizes children’s health and development.
She reminded that the International Conference “Year of Peace and Trust: Advancing International Efforts for Children’s Welfare” was held on 29 March 2025, in Arkadag, where a Soong Ching Ling Foundation delegation, led by Shen Beili, discussed humanitarian cooperation, particularly in maternal and child welfare.
Li Bin praised the forum’s significance and thanked Turkmenistan for its hospitality. Atabaeva emphasized the Foundation’s successful programs in healthcare, social welfare, and education, focusing on supporting children in need and orphans. Both sides expressed confidence that their collaboration would advance joint projects for children’s health and inclusive education.
The meeting culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two foundations, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral humanitarian partnerships.
Meeting with Shen Yueyue, Vice-Chair of the NPC Standing Committee and SCO Committee Chair
During a working visit to China, Oguljahan Atabaeva met with Shen Yueyue, vice-chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Chair of the SCO Committee on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation.
Atabaeva expressed gratitude to the Chinese leadership for their warm hospitality and the high level of organization during the visit, noting the beauty of Beijing. She conveyed greetings from President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
The meeting highlighted the successful cooperation between Turkmenistan and China, both bilaterally and within international and regional organizations. Both nations share a commitment to strengthening peace, security, and friendly relations, rooted in centuries-old ties.
Atabaeva emphasized the visit’s goal of enhancing humanitarian cooperation in science, education, culture, and sports. As Vice-President for Medical Activities, she expressed interest in expanding partnerships in children’s healthcare, inclusive education, and social support for those in need. The Foundation actively collaborates with state and public organizations to assist children facing health and other challenges.
The discussion explored prospects for experience exchange and joint initiatives. As noted, key outcome of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation and the Soong Ching Ling Foundation. Shen Yueyue affirmed China’s commitment to implementing the memorandum for the benefit of children in both countries.
The meeting concluded with mutual wishes for health, prosperity, and continued success, with both sides expressing confidence in further strengthening cooperation.
Meeting with Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng
During the visit, Oguljahan Atabaeva also met with Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng.
Atabaeva outlined the work of the Charitable Foundation, emphasizing its primary mission of ensuring the health and well-being of children. She noted that the visit aims to strengthen international cooperation, highlighting China’s role as a reliable partner in trade, economics, and healthcare. Turkmenistan is particularly interested in China’s expertise in healthcare, especially in pediatric care and rehabilitation.
Mayor Gong Zheng praised the Foundation’s dedication to humanistic principles and universal values. Both sides expressed confidence in continuing dialogue for the benefit of children and exchanged wishes for success and prosperity. ///nCa, 1 September 2025