Traditionally, meetings of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) cover all areas of cooperation. Members of the delegations put forward initiatives aimed at optimising joint efforts and seek to reach new stages of development of friendly relations and the implementation of projects to enhance the economic strength of the fraternal states. An analyst for Central Asia Vadim Shagiakhmedov commented on these issues in an interview with CentralAsia.news.
«The CIS format enables us to set clear lines and priorities of partnerships, using our unquestionable strengths: accumulated experience of cooperation, equity, responsibility of leaders, common historical baggage, deep humanitarian ties,» President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised.
Turkmenistan takes an active part in major joint projects of the CIS Member States. In 2005, all the republics recognised the associated membership of Turkmenistan in this international organisation. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Hero Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov have put forward a large number of initiatives aimed at ramping up fruitful ties within the Commonwealth.
Turkmenistan chaired the CIS in 2012 and 2019. Ashgabat and other cities of the country hosted the major events which strengthened partnerships, unity and good neighbourliness among the fraternal nations. The regional centres of Turkmenistan received the status of cultural capitals of the Commonwealth and hosted many scientific, educational and cultural actions.
«I would like to say with satisfaction that the leaders of Turkmenistan are actively interacting with the leaders of the neighbouring states in Central Asia; meetings take place on a regular basis in Turkmenistan and the capitals of other Central Asian republics. Good neighbourly relations have been established between the leadership of Turkmenistan and the leaders of neighbouring states,» CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev said.
In October 2019, Turkmenistan initiated the adoption of the document on strategic economic cooperation, which laid the groundwork for long-term trade relations. Turkmenistan attaches great importance to cultural initiatives and active participation in the construction of transport corridors and has a well-functioning network of road, rail and air routes.
In June 2023, the CIS Council of Heads of Government agreed on free trade in services and investment regulation. These measures expanded economic cooperation among the friendly countries, created an enabling business environment and improved the investment climate.
In October 2023, the heads of government adopted the documents on cooperation on land resources and technology in Bishkek. The parties agreed on the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in 2025 that was declared the Year of Peace and Unity in the Fight against Nazism.
The solemn events aimed at preserving the truth about the war and instilling a sense of patriotism in younger generations will take place. As part of these events, the organisers will learn about the living conditions of war veterans, provide them with financial assistance and offer them comprehensive medical examinations and treatment in sanatoria and health resorts.
The foundation of the International Organisation for the Russian Language was of particular importance for cultural cooperation. The new organisation is to promote the dissemination of the language of Pushkin and Chekhov in Eurasia and enhance good neighbourly and fraternal relations.
Russia has taken over the CIS Chairmanship in 2024. In this regard, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin noted that the priority tasks of intensifying economic interaction, enriching the content of cultural and humanitarian dialogue and coordinating joint projects are set for this period.
«The CIS Member States have significant industrial, energy and agricultural potential, rich natural resources and talented people. Joint efforts and dynamic, fruitful activities will open up more opportunities for close interregional cooperation and the growth of all the participants,» the head of government of the Russian Federation emphasised.
The current year has been declared the Year of the Volunteer Movement in the CIS. The Governments of the friendly countries conduct international conferences, meetings and research in this area. The actions are to improve the regulatory framework of the volunteer movement, support this socially useful activity, build up capacities and increase the contribution of volunteers.
The heads of government monitor closely humanitarian cooperation within the youth and sports policy. The parties approved the first youth capitals of the Commonwealth: Tashkent — in 2024, Gabala — in 2025 and Kapan — in 2026. The Council of Heads of Government founded a sports forum for children with disabilities.
The delegations adopted the document on the organisation and staging of sports tournaments. Turkmen athletes successfully perform at major tournaments within the Commonwealth. The Turkmen sportsmen won a scattering of medals at the 2nd CIS Games, which were held in Belarus in August 2023.
On May 24, a draft Decision on the declaration of the capital of Turkmenistan a city of new sports opportunities in the Commonwealth of Independent States will be submitted for consideration at the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government in Ashgabat.
