Leyla Aliyeva, Oguljahan Atabayeva Discuss Cultural Ties and Environmental Protection

Arkadag, The Gulf Observer: Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, met with Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, in the Turkmen city of Arkadag on October 19 to discuss cultural ties and environmental cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, Atabayeva highlighted the dynamic development of fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, noting that cooperation between the two countries was also progressing through the joint efforts of their respective foundations.

She emphasised the significance of the international MAMA “Mother Nature” art exhibition, which has been presented in several countries and was scheduled to open in Arkadag the following day.

Atabayeva said art served as a universal language that brought peoples and nations closer together. She noted that the exhibition not only enriched cultural and spiritual life but also raised public awareness of environmental protection and the need to preserve nature.

Leyla Aliyeva, in turn, underscored the shared traditions and cultural heritage that unite Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, highlighting the importance of strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between the two nations.

Addressing common environmental challenges, Aliyeva drew attention to the declining level of the Caspian Sea, stressing the importance of raising public awareness and encouraging collective action to address environmental concerns.

She noted that the MAMA “Mother Nature” exhibition sought to draw attention to such challenges and promote a greater sense of responsibility for protecting the natural environment.

Aliyeva also emphasised that safeguarding nature and preserving the planet as humanity’s common home required responsibility and commitment from individuals and communities alike.

In this context, she highlighted the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s “One Drop” project, which focuses on protecting water resources and promoting awareness of the importance of water conservation.

The meeting underscored the role of cultural initiatives and humanitarian cooperation in strengthening relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan while encouraging greater public engagement in environmental protection.