Today, as part of his working visit to the Russian Federation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov participated in an informal summit meeting of the heads of state of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

As an associate member of the CIS, neutral Turkmenistan is strengthening mutually beneficial economic partnerships within the Commonwealth, implementing major projects in energy and logistics.

Our country places particular importance on transport and communications connectivity within the CIS. As the initiator of World Sustainable Transport Day, Turkmenistan advocates for the expansion of North-South and East-West transport corridors that run through the territory of the Commonwealth member states. The constructive initiatives of the Turkmen state to transform the Caspian region into a major transport hub are facilitating the intensification of trade relations between the CIS countries and the export of goods to the markets of South Asia and Europe.

Cooperation in the humanitarian and environmental spheres holds a special place on Turkmenistan’s agenda within the CIS context. Actively participating in resolving the Aral Sea issue, our country puts forward proposals for “green” diplomacy and adaptation to climate change. The repeated designation of cities in Turkmenistan as the “Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth” testifies to the strengthening of friendly ties between our countries and our state’s openness to cross-cultural dialogue.

Relations between Turkmenistan and the Russian Federation serve as a clear example of a strategic partnership based on the principles of mutual respect and long-standing friendship. In 2025, which marked the glorious 30^th anniversary of our country’s permanent neutrality, bilateral dialogue reached a qualitatively new level. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Turkmenistan to participate in the International Forum of Peace and Trust was a landmark event, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to deepening cooperation.

Trade and economic cooperation serve as the foundation of bilateral cooperation, which is fully demonstrated by the steadily increasing mutual trade turnover. Partnership in transport and communications is also of strategic importance. Turkmenistan, located along international North-South transport corridors, is today becoming a transport and logistics hub for Eurasia. Joint efforts to develop railway infrastructure, digitalize logistics, and expand the capabilities of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport afford access to markets in the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. This format of cooperation allows us to transform the region’s geographic advantages into an effective tool for maintaining economic prosperity.

Humanitarian partnership serves as a bridge linking the peoples of the two countries. In this area, contacts in science and education are particularly prominent.

The political dialogue between our country and the Russian Federation is characterized by a high level of trust. Consistently supporting Turkmenistan’s policy of neutrality, Russia recognizes its important role as a key factor in strengthening stability in Central Asia.

...In the morning, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived at the State Hermitage Museum, which was hosting an informal summit meeting of the heads of state of the CIS member states.

The head of Turkmenistan was warmly welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The summit was preceded by a tour of the Hermitage for the CIS leaders.

The tour began with a visit to the Gold Room, which displays gold jewelry from the ancient period. Among the striking exhibits are filigree gold pieces from the Scythians, dating back 2,000 years.

In the Central Asia Hall, located on the second floor of the museum, visitors can learn about the history of the Great Silk Road: the exhibition offers insight into the intercultural relations that developed over centuries.

Once uniting countries and peoples, the Great Silk Road not only facilitated the expansion of mutually beneficial trade cooperation but also served as a bridge for cultural contacts. The Turkmen land, through which an ancient trade route ran, served as a hub for the union of East and West, with trade caravans passing through to the Middle East and Europe. The Great Silk Road also passed through Turkmen cities such as Merv, Kunyaurgench, and Nisa, centers of science and culture.

The heads of state then visited halls introducing the art of Great Britain and France, displaying works by prominent Western artists and sculptors.

Next, they toured the Leonardo da Vinci Hall, which houses over 20 works by the great Renaissance scientist and artist. Each of Leonardo da Vinci’s works is distinguished by its high level of execution and meaningful message.

Following the tour, an informal summit meeting of the heads of state of the CIS member states took place.

Opening the event, Russian President Vladimir Putin once again warmly welcomed the high-level guests and thanked them for accepting their invitation to visit St. Petersburg to participate in the informal Summit.

During the meeting, the results of the work accomplished within the Commonwealth this year were reviewed and future goals were identified. The positive dynamics of economic partnership were noted with satisfaction. At the same time, an exchange of views took place on key issues on the regional and global agendas.

The Russian leader also congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on Turkmenistan’s assumption of the CIS Chairmanship in 2026 and wished him success.

The CIS countries’ continued commitment to equal and mutually beneficial cooperation, based on goodwill, mutual respect, and trust, was also emphasized. The current meeting fully demonstrates the Commonwealth states’ desire to elevate constructive interaction to a new level that meets the demands of the times.

The Russian President took the opportunity to extend his congratulations and best wishes to the citizens of the CIS member states on the occasion of the upcoming New Year.

An informal dinner was hosted in honor of the distinguished guests on behalf of the President of the Russian Federation.

A concert was organized for the heads of state at the State Hermitage Museum.

Following his working visit to the Russian Federation, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov departed for Pulkovo International Airport in St. Petersburg, where he returned home. Officials met the head of state at Ashgabat International Airport.

Thus, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s participation in the informal summit of the heads of state of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was further evidence of Turkmenistan’s commitment to open dialogue based on principles of mutual respect. The informal summit not only provided an opportunity to review the past year but also to lay the foundation for new joint endeavors in various fields. For our country, as an associate member of the CIS, the Commonwealth format serves as a platform for advancing peacekeeping initiatives in the region.