Meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State held in Turkmenistan, for the first time with participation of the Islamic Republic of Iran

The meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) took place today in the National Tourist Zone “Avaza”.

The meeting was attended by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Secretary General of the CIS Sergey Lebedev.

For the first time, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian participated in the meeting as a special guest.

As is known, Turkmenistan is the chair of the Commonwealth in the current year. The country, which is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its independence this year, is fullfilling this important mission with a strong sense of responsibility. In this regard, the relevant Concept encompassing the key areas of interstate cooperation was developed.

As part of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship this year, meetings of relevant councils and commissions have been held, including the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government, the 84th meeting of the Council on Railway Transport of CIS Member States, and meetings of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers and the Council on Cultural Cooperation of CIS Member States.

In the political sphere, the agenda focuses on strengthening regional security and mutual trust, promoting the principles of neutrality, and reinforcing the role of the CIS as a platform for peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding. Turkmenistan, together with partner states, continues to advocate for the consolidation of efforts to uphold international law.

Turkmenistan is actively working to advance initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation in the trade and economic spheres. Particular attention is paid to innovative collaboration and the development of transport connectivity. The core message is that the development of an extensive, secure international transport infrastructure is an essential factor for universal sustainable development.

The humanitarian dimension encompassing education, science, healthcare, culture, tourism, sports, youth exchanges, and media remains the priority of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS.

At the current meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the sides discussed key issues regarding cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian fields.

Significant decisions were adopted following the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

It is important to note the symbolic significance of the decision adopted at this meeting which is held in Turkmenistan – to declare 2029 the “Year of CIS Transport Connectivity” within the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Turkmenistan consistently advocates for the development of transport and logistics systems, viewing this as a fundamental factor for economic growth, regional integration, and the expansion of trade ties.