On 6 November 2026, the successive meeting of the Council for Cultural Cooperation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Member States was held in Ashgabat.

The aim of the meeting was to review the current state of traditional cultural and humanitarian ties, outline plans for future joint activities, and identify further steps to strengthen the bonds of friendship among the countries.

The meeting was attended by representatives of relevant ministries and agencies of the CIS Member States. The participants discussed a range of issues related to the development of cultural and humanitarian dialogue, its further advancement, and the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation across the CIS.

In accordance with the agenda, the sides reviewed the current state of cooperation in the field of culture in the context of contemporary developments and discussed joint plans for the future.

The meeting addressed major cultural events of 2026, including those envisioned under the Main Vectors of Cooperation between the CIS Member States in the Field of Culture for 2026–2028, as well as large-scale events scheduled for 2027. Information was also presented on the progress in implementing the Plan of Events dedicated to the 35^th anniversary of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

In addition, the participants were briefed on the ongoing work to prepare the draft Concept of the “Days of Culture of the Commonwealth of Independent States” and the draft Regulations on the CIS International Film Festival “Commonwealth”, as well as on the implementation of the Interstate Programme “Cultural Capitals of the Commonwealth”.

Particular attention was paid to joint projects aimed at preserving, reviving and promoting cultural heritage internationally. In this regard, the importance of international festivals, Days of Culture and creative meetings held within the framework of the CIS was emphasized. The discussions also focused on the regular organization of creative competitions among youth, international contests and scientific and practical conferences across the CIS region.

Organizational matters relatied to the chairmanship of the Council and the arrangements for its next meeting were also considered.

The participants highlighted the importance of Turkmenistan’s international initiatives in the field of culture, put forward on the basis of the proposals of Hero-Arkadag and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. They highly commended the organizational level of the meeting and expressed confidence that the established bridges of friendship, peace and humanism among the CIS Member States would continue to grow stronger, bringing new substance to their traditionally constructive cooperation.