Vladimir Omelnytsky, Vice Governor of Saint Petersburg (Russian Federation), paid a working visit to Turkmenistan. The programme included laying flowers at the ‘Halk hakydasy’ (People’s Memory) memorial complex, a meeting with a survivor of the Siege of Leningrad, and negotiations on bilateral cooperation, reports the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’.

The St. Petersburg delegation paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the Great Patriotic War.

During the war, Turkmenistan took in around 32,000 residents of Leningrad and its environs. Despite the hardships of wartime, local residents provided the new arrivals with the necessary assistance.

In Ashgabat, Vladimir Omelnytsky met with Galina Mamedova, a survivor of the Siege of Leningrad. She noted the attention and support given to veterans by both Russia and Turkmenistan.

On the instructions of the Governor of St. Petersburg, Alexander Beglov, the delegation held negotiations with representatives of relevant Turkmenistan government departments. The parties discussed the supply of pharmaceutical products and equipment for the new International Medical Centres in Ashgabat.

It was also proposed to hold online seminars using artificial intelligence technologies to facilitate the exchange of expertise between healthcare specialists from St. Petersburg and Turkmenistan.

In addition, discussions centred on touring performances by St. Petersburg theatres, the organisation of museum exhibitions and displays in Ashgabat, as well as the expansion of trade and economic cooperation.

Vladimir Omelnytsky thanked the Turkmen leadership and the country’s Government for their hospitality and for their support in developing bilateral cooperation.