As part of the International Forum “The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” Oguljahan Atabaeva, Vice President for Medical Affairs at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care, held a series of insightful bilateral meetings with prominent international figures on December 10.
These engagements, set against the backdrop of the Caspian Sea, highlighted Turkmenistan’s dedication to gender equality, humanitarian cooperation, and global partnerships, while showcasing the pivotal role of women in advancing societal progress.
In one meeting, Atabaeva discussed with Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, the forum’s focus on global issues and Turkmenistan’s expertise in organizing such events, which bolsters its international standing. Atabaeva stressed the priority of strengthening ties with neighboring and fraternal nations, culminating in mutual well-wishes for the prosperity of both peoples.
Another dialogue featured Tatyana Valovaya, UN Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, who praised Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy and its role in bridging East-West dialogues through women’s empowerment. Atabaeva thanked Valovaya for her involvement, reiterating Turkmenistan’s multifaceted UN cooperation. They explored women’s leadership in politics, business, and social spheres, aligning with constitutional priorities on gender equality, and expressed confidence that the forum’s outcomes would advance these goals.
Atabaeva also met Selmira do Sacramento, Chairperson of the National Assembly of Sao Tome and Principe, expressing thanks for her participation and optimism for enhanced bilateral relations. Do Sacramento highlighted the forum’s significance in promoting women’s rights, noting Turkmenistan’s responsible approach, and the pair exchanged heartfelt wishes.
With Mansuri Dilrabo, Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, the conversation centered on the robust Turkmen-Tajik relations rooted in good-neighborliness, with a spotlight on cultural-humanitarian ties as a foundation for long-term partnership. They underscored the forum’s relevance to women’s societal roles, ending with positive sentiments.
Further, Atabaeva engaged Lindiwa Dlamini, Minister of Internal Affairs of Eswatini, appreciating her attendance and the forum’s high organization as a testament to Turkmenistan’s global prestige. Discussions covered women’s empowerment through international conventions, state programs, and partnerships, with an exchange of views on shared interests.
In a meeting with Natalia Manturova, Head of Department at Russia’s Pirogov Research Medical University and President of the Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons, they focused on the forum’s humanitarian aims and dialogue among stakeholders. Emphasis was placed on historical Turkmen-Russian ties as a basis for deeper cooperation, with assurances of strengthened humanitarian links.
Atabaeva’s encounter with Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Missned, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, involved thanks for Qatar’s delegation and recognition of the forum as a step toward women’s rights. They noted growing Turkmen-Qatari collaboration in cultural spheres, especially timely during the Year of Peace and Trust.
With Huang Xiaowei, Vice Chairperson of China’s All-China Women’s Federation and Deputy Director of the State Council Working Committee on Women and Children’s Affairs, Atabaeva highlighted dynamic bilateral relations and cultural exchanges. Xiaowei viewed the forum as an investment in global development through women’s participation, touching on experience-sharing in rights expansion.
Finally, discussions with Fatema Mohajerani, Press Secretary of Iran’s Government, emphasized the forum’s role in uniting efforts for women’s advancement, timed with neutrality’s anniversary. They celebrated shared cultural traditions and humanitarian cooperation between neighbors, committing to further ties.
These meetings not only enriched the forum but also reinforced Turkmenistan’s vision of women as key drivers of peace, development, and international harmony. /// nCa, 11 December 2025