Turkmen-Russian relations continue to strengthen. This was stated on 20 November by Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Head of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly Council, at a meeting with Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, reports the online publication ‘SenatInform’.

Valentina Matvienko noted that cooperation between the two countries is developing steadily, with the trusting relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov playing an important role in this.

She also recalled that Russia supports Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality, which contributes to the expansion of international contacts. According to her, Turkmenistan's high authority is confirmed by the events held in the country under the auspices of the UN.

The speaker separately focused on the work of Oguljahan Atabayeva within the framework of a Charitable Foundation that supports children in need of care. She emphasised that social projects in Turkmenistan are comparable in terms of their objectives to Russian initiatives in the field of protecting families with children.

Valentina Matvienko recalled the activities of the ‘Krug Dobra’ (‘Circle of Kindness’) foundation, which provides medicines and support to children with orphan diseases, including in cases requiring surgical intervention.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the IV International Forum ‘Commonwealth of Fashion’ at the Tauride Palace in St. Petersburg.