Russian, Belarusian leaders arrive at Dushanbe’s Palace of Nations ahead of CIS summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived at the Palace of Nations in Dushanbe to participate in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit.

A ceremonial guard greeted arriving leaders in the square before the palace, where the flags of participating countries were raised. President Putin ascended the red-carpeted steps and was welcomed by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in the central foyer, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The two leaders exchanged warm greetings, followed by the traditional group photograph of all summit participants. The Council of CIS Heads of State is set to convene shortly in a closed session.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko also arrived at the Palace of Nations for the summit and was greeted by President Rahmon upon arrival.

The summit agenda includes around two dozen items. Ahead of the CIS’s 35th anniversary next year, leaders are expected to consider initiatives aimed at strengthening the organisation’s international standing, including the creation of a “CIS Plus” format and granting observer status to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev