The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of State convened in Turkmenistan’s Avaza National Tourist Zone, where leaders outlined priorities for economic integration and the organisation’s role in shaping a multipolar world. The meeting also marked the 35th anniversary of the Commonwealth, as reported by
Kremlin press service.
The summit opened with a restricted-format meeting of CIS leaders, chaired by Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The agenda covered more than 15 issues, including economic integration, transport connectivity, social development, humanitarian cooperation and the Commonwealth’s future role in international affairs.
During the meeting, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasised that the CIS should contribute to the development of a multipolar international system alongside BRICS, the SCO and the African Union.
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Economic cooperation was a central theme of the meeting. Lukashenko called for closer integration through trade, investment and joint infrastructure initiatives, highlighting the importance of practical projects for the development of member states.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reported that Russia’s trade with CIS partners exceeded US$110 billion in 2025, with turnover increasing by a further 12 per cent in the first half of 2026.
He also noted that national currencies account for more than 90 per cent of commercial transactions between CIS countries. Cooperation is expanding through industrial and infrastructure projects, including the development of the North–South and East–West international transport corridors.
The leaders also highlighted the importance of cultural, educational and humanitarian exchanges, which support cooperation across the Commonwealth.
Following the restricted-format talks, the summit continued with an expanded session attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev.
A package of documents was signed following the summit.
Uzbekistan is set to assume the CIS chairmanship on 1 January 2027.