The 111th regular meeting of the Economic Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was held today at the Ýyldyz Hotel in the capital.

The meeting, organised within the framework of Concept of Turkmenistan’s Chairmanship in the CIS in 2026 and its Implementation Action Plan, was attended by the CIS Secretary-General, senior officials of the Commonwealth’s Executive Committee, and heads of relevant ministries and agencies from Turkmenistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as heads of the respective diplomatic missions.

As an associate member of the CIS, Turkmenistan attaches great importance to expanding productive cooperation within the Commonwealth, participating in its activities in accordance with its status of permanent neutrality, which has been unanimously recognised three times by the member states of the United Nations. In this cooperation, the country is guided by the foreign policy strategy pursued under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, which is aimed at promoting universal peace and sustainable development.

The meeting of the CIS Economic Council serves as an effective platform for the constructive discussion of current issues related to economic partnership within the Commonwealth and for intensifying cooperation by making use of the existing trade and investment potential. The current meeting fully demonstrated Turkmenistan’s commitment and determination to strengthen and expand traditional dialogue and productive relations within the CIS. The agenda included issues related to enhancing multifaceted economic cooperation. Participants held substantive discussions on strategic plans to improve transport security, the Concept for the Development of Cooperation in the Production of Advanced Materials for High-Tech Industries, as well as a number of other financial and organisational matters.

In strengthening relations with the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Turkmenistan is guided primarily by the traditions of friendship and good-neighbourliness, as well as the principles of productive partnership. As is known, the Concept of Turkmenistan’s Chairmanship of the Commonwealth in 2026 was circulated as an official document of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly under agenda item 126, “Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organisations.” The publication and circulation of this document fully reflect Turkmenistan’s consistent efforts to develop constructive partnership within the CIS and to promote the principles of multilateral cooperation, good-neighbourliness, trust, and sustainable development.

The Concept sets out five priority areas: ensuring peace and security; developing the economy and transport connectivity; digital transformation; the environmental agenda; and humanitarian cooperation. Within the framework of its implementation, measures are envisaged in the political sphere to strengthen regional stability and intensify diplomatic dialogue among the Commonwealth’s member states. According to the Concept, the economic dimension includes, among other priorities, the development of the North–South and East–West transport corridors, the expansion of energy cooperation, and the promotion of trade and investment.

The meeting of the CIS Economic Council was preceded by a joint photo session.

The meeting then began in a restricted format, during which participants discussed current issues of economic partnership among the Commonwealth’s member states. The heads of delegations emphasised the significant role of the CIS as an effective multilateral platform that enables participating countries to build cooperation based on their national interests and shared development priorities, while making optimal use of their considerable potential to ensure sustainable economic growth and strengthen competitiveness.

One of the key topics of discussion was the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Strategy for Ensuring Transport Security in the Territories of CIS Member States in the Conduct of International Transport Operations for the period 2026–2030. As noted, the Commonwealth countries attach great importance to strengthening cooperation in the transport sector. In this regard, the parties confirmed their readiness to make full use of the sector’s potential, including through the effective joint use of the North–South International Transport Corridor.

In addition, the participants considered issues concerning the holding of the next meeting of the CIS Economic Council.

The 111th meeting of the Economic Council of the Commonwealth of Independent States then continued in an expanded format.

As emphasised during the meeting, cooperation within the CIS is acquiring new substance and contributing to the dynamic development of constructive relations that serve common interests, as well as to strengthening the bonds of friendship and good-neighbourliness among the member states.

In this context, it was noted that Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth this year is aimed at comprehensively expanding and intensifying cooperation within the CIS framework. In accordance with the relevant Concept, a number of important meetings and conferences have already been held through the Commonwealth during the past period, and other major events are also planned. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the forthcoming CIS Council of Heads of State meeting, scheduled to take place in October in the Avaza National Tourist Zone.

In his address, CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev, on behalf of the participants in the meeting and the CIS Executive Committee, expressed sincere gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for the conditions created for productive joint work and for the hospitality extended to the guests. The high organisational level of the regular meeting of the CIS Economic Council was also emphasised.

The CIS Secretary-General extended his heartfelt congratulations on the approaching significant date—the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence—and wished every success to the forthcoming meeting of the Halk Maslahaty, to be held ahead of this important occasion. It was emphasised that the meeting of the country’s highest representative body is an important event in the context of the country’s progressive development and the strengthening of national unity.

It was particularly noted that all events organised within the framework of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth this year had been held to a high standard. In this regard, the CIS Secretary-General expressed confidence that the forthcoming meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State in the Avaza National Tourist Zone would also be held at the traditionally high organisational level.

It was emphasised that meetings of this kind contribute to a detailed understanding of partners’ positions and the development of coordinated decisions. Turkmenistan supports the further development of such consultations and the expansion of their agenda in line with the demands of the times.

As noted, the prospects for trade and economic cooperation among the Commonwealth’s member states are based on concrete objectives aimed at maintaining high rates of sustainable growth amid today’s challenging conditions. In this context, it was emphasised that the considerable industrial, investment and cultural potential of the CIS member states should be directed towards addressing important upcoming tasks and implementing joint interstate programmes and projects.

The meeting considered proposals for developing mutual trade among the CIS member states. Economic cooperation is one of the most important areas for pooling efforts and opportunities within the Commonwealth. Great importance is attached to strengthening the CIS’s position in Eurasia, ensuring long-term participation in major continental, regional ,and international projects, creating modern transport and energy infrastructure, and developing industrial and technological value chains. The main guiding framework in this regard is the CIS Economic Development Strategy through 2030. Member states are actively cooperating to simplify trade procedures, expand relevant infrastructure and exchange technologies.

The transport and logistics sector is one of the key areas of partnership that drives economic growth within the CIS and connects its member states. Located at the crossroads of major transport corridors, Turkmenistan is actively developing the relevant infrastructure to establish new routes. The country’s “Revival of the Great Silk Road” strategy, along with the construction of new highways and railways, contributes to connecting the Commonwealth’s member states with China, the countries of the Middle East and Europe. Turkmenistan’s efforts in this direction not only stimulate economic growth but also help strengthen friendly relations among regions. Attention was also given to the harmonisation of national air traffic management systems among the Commonwealth’s member states.

The meeting also reviewed the activities of the Interstate Council for Standardisation, Metrology, and Certification during 2023–2026. As emphasised, the Council has carried out extensive work to coordinate measures undertaken in the relevant areas.

As is known, the Commonwealth of Independent States has a number of structures aimed at promoting multifaceted cooperation among its member states. In this regard, attention was given to the activities of the CIS Intergovernmental Council on the Agro-Industrial Complex. It was noted that the implementation of the tasks defined by the Council has had a positive impact on the development of cooperation among Commonwealth states in the agricultural sector.

Cooperation in the technological sphere, together with the regular exchange of knowledge and experience, constitutes a key item on the agenda of relations developed on both bilateral and multilateral bases. In this context, detailed discussions focused on draft proposals for the Concept for the Development of Cooperation among CIS Member States in the Production of Advanced Materials for High-Tech Industries and the Action Plan for its implementation.

At present, this area opens up broad opportunities for introducing an effective system that helps improve the efficiency of public administration and create new jobs in high-tech industries. Turkmenistan places particular emphasis on such important areas of partnership involving Commonwealth countries as the establishment of industrial and technological value chains and the development of joint manufacturing projects.

Cultural and humanitarian cooperation has traditionally occupied a special place in relations among the CIS member states. In this regard, the participants discussed issues related to ensuring the continuity of medical education, the prevention and elimination of certain infectious diseases, the organisation of health and sanatorium-resort activities, the development of archival work, and the Organisation’s budget.

Following the 111th meeting of the CIS Economic Council, documents aimed at the further development of strategic cooperation in various areas of socio-economic activity were signed and approved.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the participants expressed their sincere appreciation to the Turkmen side for the high level of organisation of the forum and its significant contribution to the development of mutually beneficial relations.

Following the meeting, its results were presented in a statement to representatives of the mass media.