Azerbaijan reaffirms commitment to deeper CIS cooperation at Dushanbe summit PHOTO

Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to deepening trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) during the CIS Council of Heads of Government meeting held in Dushanbe.

In his address, Asadov underscored the importance of bolstering collaboration across a wide spectrum of sectors, including economic development, legal frameworks, humanitarian initiatives, budgetary policy, and personnel matters linked to the Commonwealth’s operations, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The Prime Minister highlighted humanitarian cooperation as a cornerstone of CIS interaction, placing special emphasis on the volunteer movement. He recalled the successful hosting of the Forum of Volunteer Movements in Baku last December, which brought together youth from across the CIS region and featured a series of panel discussions and roundtables.

Looking ahead, Asadov drew attention to key cultural and sporting events scheduled for 2025. He noted that the 3rd CIS Games will take place from September 28 to October 8 across Ganja and several other Azerbaijani cities, featuring 23 sports. “The official website of the Games has already been launched, where one can get acquainted with the news about the process of preparation of the event, the schedule of competitions and sports grounds,” he stated.

Additionally, in light of the designation of Lachin as the Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth in 2025, Asadov announced the approval of an action plan that includes conferences, concerts, exhibitions, film and theatre festivals, media tours, and other cultural events.

Pointing to the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism, Asadov honoured Azerbaijan’s substantial contributions both on the battlefield and the home front during World War II.

On the economic front, the Prime Minister reported encouraging growth in Azerbaijan’s trade with CIS countries, noting a 7 per cent increase in 2024 and a striking 43 per cent surge in the first four months of 2025. “Azerbaijan attaches importance to further expansion of trade and economic ties with the Commonwealth member states,” he affirmed.

He also updated attendees on Azerbaijan’s efforts to modernise transport infrastructure, with a particular focus on the digitalisation of customs and transit procedures. Positioned as a strategic transit hub, Azerbaijan continues to play a vital role in the development of the East-West and North-South transport corridors.

In the realm of sustainable development, Asadov highlighted Azerbaijan’s progress in renewable energy. He reported that contracts for solar and wind power projects would deliver an additional 6 gigawatts of energy by 2030. In parallel, the country is investing in hydroelectric power across the East Zangezur and Karabakh regions, with a goal to double renewable energy output over the next five years.

Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Asadov expressed optimism about the future of intergovernmental cooperation within the CIS, citing its positive influence on both bilateral and multilateral engagement among member states.

The meeting concluded with the signing of several cooperative documents by the heads of government from participating CIS nations.

By Vafa Guliyeva