Events

Valentina Matvienko: The first Russian-Kyrgyz Women's Forum is a step towards bringing women of the two countries closer and an opportunity to exchange views, ideas and experience

The Dialogue of Women of Russia and Kyrgyzstan for the Future forum is taking place in Moscow.


A plenary session of the First Russian-Kyrgyz Women's Forum Dialogue of Women of Russia and Kyrgyzstan for the Future was held.

Speaking at the Forum, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko noted that parliamentary interaction between the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic was progressive and constructive and relied on a solid foundation. “Today, the Russian Federation and the Kyrgyz Republic are not just partners, but genuine strategic allies,” she said. “Projects are underway between our countries in the economy and the humanitarian sphere, including as part of the EAEU. The credit for this goes to our heads of state who invariably stand for promoting full-scale and mutually beneficial Russian-Kyrgyz cooperation,” the Federation Council Speaker said.

The Speaker said productive interaction had been established between the parliaments of the two countries. “There is an agreement on interparliamentary cooperation, and a bilateral parliamentary commission is operational. This year, we are expecting a visit to Russia by a delegation headed by Jogorku Kenesh Chair Nurlanbek Shakiev.”

Valentina Matvienko emphasised the importance of the fact that the people of Russia and Kyrgyzstan are bound together by millions of human lives. “We are bound by common values and common history. During the hard years of the Great Patriotic War, Russians and Kyrgyz, along with other peoples of the Soviet Union, fought shoulder to shoulder for their Motherland. Thousands of Leningrad Siege survivors, including children, were evacuated to Kyrgyzstan and found a new home in Issyk-Kul. We will never forget Toktogon Altybasarova who was like a mother to 150 Leningrad group home children.”

The Federation Council Speaker mentioned another value that unites our countries which is traditional respect for women and their prominent role in society. “Today's forum is another step towards bringing the women's communities of Russia and Kyrgyzstan closer and promoting open exchange of opinions, ideas, and experiences.”

Valentina Matvienko welcomed the participation of representatives from the Kyrgyz Republic in the Eurasian Women's Forum. “Taking the opportunity, I would like to invite you to the 4th Eurasian Women's Forum, the preparations for which are underway,” she said.

According to her, the Federation Council and the Council of the Eurasian Women's Forum under the upper chamber put their focus on supporting women's initiatives. Projects such as Promoting Women's Entrepreneurship, Women's Cooperation in International Trade, Women's Leadership in Investment and many others have been recognised in Russia and abroad. Last year, the Female Leader educational programme obtained international status. “It was widely popular, and we are glad to see representatives from the Kyrgyz Republic take part in it as well. We plan to expand the programme and to bring more energetic participants onboard,” Valentina Matvienko said.

The Federation Council Speaker reminded the audience that 2023 was declared Teacher and Mentor Year in Russia. “For our countries, cooperation in education has a special meaning. In June 2022, Yekaterinburg hosted the 2nd forum of rectors from the Russian Federation and Kyrgyzstan during which a memorandum on creating an association of our countries’ universities was signed.

The Federation Council Speaker highlighted the fact that cooperation in secondary education was expanding. An agreement was reached to build nine schools in Kyrgyzstan with instruction in Russian. “Russian senators are always receptive of such projects and provide them with the utmost support. We are confident that the plans will be fulfilled. Education and upbringing will be our forum’s priority. We also plan to discuss cooperation between female legislators, promoting interaction in the humanitarian and social spheres, and a number of other important issues.”

Valentina Matvienko was confident that the Dialogue of Women of Russia and Kyrgyzstan for the Future forum would help uncover more areas of overlap and further strengthen cooperation between active women from the two countries and bring us closer to fulfilling our goals.

The spouse of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Aigul Zhaparova addressed the guests and participants with a welcoming message. According to her, the forum is designed to promote close constructive dialogue between women of Kyrgyzstan and Russia. “I hope it will become a tradition and contribute to developing common approaches and initiatives to unlock women’s potential in modern society.”

Aigul Zhaparova advocated the need for legislative and state support for women's associations in the two countries.

She pointed out that the Russian language enjoys respect in Kyrgyzstan. “The implementation of the project to build more schools testifies to our interest in introducing our children to Russian culture and the Russian language, and promoting dialogue at various levels for a brighter future,” Aigul Zhaparova said.

She believes that the role of women around the world cannot be overestimated. “Women actively contribute to society, oversee major business projects, and make a great contribution to ensuring our countries’ well-being.”

Deputy Chairman of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic Jamilya Isayeva emphasised that the forum was a great example of interaction between the two countries and a good platform for discussing cooperation matters. “The role of women in the modern world keeps growing and plays a major role in the life of our countries,” she said.

Valentina Matvienko met with the wife of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Aigul Zhaparova on the sidelines of the forum.

The Federation Council Speaker toured an exhibition dedicated to the cultural traditions of Kyrgyzstan.

The forum participants include Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Galina Karelova, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture Lilia Gumerova, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy Inna Svyatenko, Russian senators, Minister of Healthcare of the Kyrgyz Republic Gulnara Baatyrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Education of the Kyrgyz Republic Nadira Dzhusupbekova, First Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation Olga Batalina, Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation Tatyana Moskalkova, and General Director of the Russian Export Centre Veronika Nikishina.

Commenting on the outcomes of the plenary session, Galina Karelova said that female parliamentarians from Russia and Kyrgyzstan successfully interact at bilateral and international platforms. “We are willing to conduct a trust-based and candid dialogue on all matters that concern our countries, in particular, social policy and healthcare, and matters related to expanding the involvement of women in all spheres of society.”

Five theme-based panels will be held as part of the forum, namely, Women's Parliamentary Dialogue and Lawmaking, Promoting Humanitarian Cooperation, Social and Charitable Activities, Education and Culture: Supporting Talented Children and Youth, Promoting Healthcare, State Support for Motherhood and Childhood and Female Entrepreneurs: The Eurasian Dimension.