The Federation Council Speaker held a meeting on the sidelines of the Commonwealth of Fashion Forum in St Petersburg.
A meeting took place between Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko and Oguljahan Atabayeva, who is leading Turkmenistan’s delegation to the Commonwealth of Fashion Forum in St Petersburg.
Oguljahan Atabayeva is Vice President for Medical Affairs at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care and supervises a number of humanitarian projects in Turkmenistan.
The discussion took place on the sidelines of the Fourth Commonwealth of Fashion Forum, jointly organised by the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly and the Federation Council, with the support of relevant ministries and industry associations. The forum is aimed at supporting the light and creative industries and strengthening economic and cultural cooperation among the Commonwealth countries.
The Speaker of the Federation Council noted that Russia is closely monitoring Turkmenistan’s progress and achievements on the international stage.
Valentina Matvienko conveyed her warm greetings and best wishes to the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. She emphasised that relations between Russia and Turkmenistan are developing dynamically in a spirit of friendship and mutual understanding, thanks to the active personal engagement and cooperation of the leaders of both countries.
The Federation Council Speaker also highlighted the importance and social relevance of the work carried out by the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care, noting that the Russian Circle of Kindness Foundation is implementing similar initiatives.
Commenting on the events of the Commonwealth of Fashion Forum, Valentina Matvienko highlighted that Turkmenistan is showcasing one of the most impressive exhibits in St Petersburg this year. She noted that Turkmenistan has a long-standing tradition in the light and creative industries.
The Federation Council Speaker emphasised that the Commonwealth of Fashion Forum, which brings together representatives from over 30 countries, has become an important platform for integration, facilitating the exchange of experience, the preservation and promotion of fashion and design traditions, the mutual enrichment of cultures, and lively dialogue. Beyond supporting the light industry, the forum showcases products from CIS countries and helps identify and nurture the talents of young designers. She added, “It has become a true springboard for manufacturers from Russian regions to enter Commonwealth markets.”
Oguljahan Atabayeva highlighted the impressive nature of the forum’s events and spoke about the work of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation, where she serves as Vice President.
The two officials also discussed cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Inna Svyatenko, Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy Yulia Lazutkina, and Secretary General of the IPA CIS Council Dmitry Kobitsky.
Following the meeting, Valentina Matvienko and Oguljahan Atabayeva toured the exhibits from Turkmenistan and other countries at the forum.
During the tour, the Federation Council Speaker emphasised the importance of preserving unique traditions, leveraging existing strengths to increase product competitiveness, and expanding participation in international markets.
Speaking to journalists after the tour, Valentina Matvienko highlighted how skilfully and vibrantly national traditions are integrated into the modern, fashionable products on display at the exhibitions.
“The exhibits are truly inspiring. CIS countries are preserving traditions while presenting innovations. Interest in the forum grows each year, and new agreements and contracts were signed. We plan to continue developing and strengthening our cooperation,” the Federation Council Speaker said.