The Regular Meeting of the CIS Economic Council Held in Ashgabat

On 11 September 2026, 111th regular meeting of the Economic Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was held today at the Ýyldyz Hotel in Ashgabat.

The meeting, organised within the framework of Concept of Turkmenistan’s Chairmanship in the CIS in 2026 and its Implementation Action Plan, was attended by the CIS Secretary-General, senior officials of the Commonwealth’s Executive Committee, and heads of relevant ministries and agencies from Turkmenistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as heads of the respective diplomatic missions.

The meeting then began in a restricted format, during which participants discussed current issues of economic partnership among the Commonwealth’s member states. The heads of delegations emphasised the significant role of the CIS as an effective multilateral platform that enables participating countries to build cooperation based on their national interests and shared development priorities, while making optimal use of their considerable potential to ensure sustainable economic growth and strengthen competitiveness.

One of the key topics of discussion was the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Strategy for Ensuring Transport Security in the Territories of CIS Member States in the Conduct of International Transport Operations for the period 2026–2030. As noted, the Commonwealth countries attach great importance to strengthening cooperation in the transport sector. In this regard, the parties confirmed their readiness to make full use of the sector’s potential, including through the effective joint use of the North–South International Transport Corridor.

In addition, the participants considered issues concerning the holding of the next meeting of the CIS Economic Council.

The 111th meeting of the Economic Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States then continued in an expanded format.

As emphasised during the meeting, cooperation within the CIS is acquiring new substance and contributing to the dynamic development of constructive relations that serve common interests, as well as to strengthening the bonds of friendship and good-neighbourliness among the member states.

In this context, it was noted that Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth this year is aimed at comprehensively expanding and intensifying cooperation within the CIS framework. In accordance with the relevant Concept, a number of important meetings and conferences have already been held through the Commonwealth during the past period, and other major events are also planned. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the forthcoming CIS Council of Heads of State meeting, scheduled to take place in October in the Avaza National Tourist Zone.

Economic cooperation is one of the most important areas for pooling efforts and opportunities within the Commonwealth. Great importance is attached to strengthening the CIS’s position in Eurasia, ensuring long-term participation in major continental, regional, and international projects, creating modern transport and energy infrastructure, and developing industrial and technological value chains. The main guiding framework in this regard is the CIS Economic Development Strategy through 2030.

Cultural and humanitarian cooperation has traditionally occupied a special place in relations among the CIS member states. In this regard, the participants discussed issues related to ensuring the continuity of medical education, the prevention and elimination of certain infectious diseases, the organisation of health and sanatorium-resort activities, the development of archival work, and the Organisation’s budget.

In his address, CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev, on behalf of the participants in the meeting and the CIS Executive Committee, expressed sincere gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for the conditions created for productive joint work and for the hospitality extended to the guests. The high organisational level of the regular meeting of the CIS Economic Council was also emphasised.

The CIS Secretary-General extended his heartfelt congratulations on the approaching significant date—the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence—and wished every success to the forthcoming meeting of the Halk Maslahaty, to be held ahead of this important occasion.

Following the 111th meeting of the CIS Economic Council, documents aimed at the further development of strategic cooperation in various areas of socio-economic activity were signed and approved.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the participants expressed their sincere appreciation to the Turkmen side for the high level of organisation of the forum and its significant contribution to the development of mutually beneficial relations.