Turkmen leader: CIS must remain key instrument of cooperation

The Commonwealth of Independent States remains a significant factor in maintaining international stability and security, Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated during the CIS Council of Heads of State meeting in Dushanbe, BelTA reports.

“We are convinced that the CIS is called to continue to serve as an important instrument of cooperation based on the goodwill of the participants, equality and mutual respect, and alignment with the national interests of each country. This is what has ensured, and will continue to ensure, the viability and flexibility of the Commonwealth of Independent States, reveal new facets and prospects of partnership, and make the CIS one of the factors of sustainability of the system of international stability and security,” Berdimuhamedov said.

The Turkmen President also emphasised that Turkmenistan, which will assume the CIS chairmanship next year, plans to promote the strengthening of cooperation and partnership among member states to maximise the organisation’s potential.

He noted that a concept for Turkmenistan’s chairmanship, outlining the country’s vision and approaches for advancing interstate cooperation, will be developed soon. “The document will reflect the priorities that Turkmenistan considers most urgent and will be sent to CIS countries through diplomatic channels in due time,” Berdimuhamedov added.

The chairmanship of CIS bodies will pass from Tajikistan to Turkmenistan on January 1, 2026. The next meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State is scheduled to take place in Turkmenistan on October 9, 2026.

By Tamilla Hasanova