Oriented on making people closer

Dushanbe, October 10 | ORIENT. The regular meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) took place in the capital of Tajikistan. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov participated in the meeting, along with the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the CIS Secretary General.

A New Round of Cooperation: Turkmenistan's Chairmanship

The main outcome of the meeting was the decision to transfer the CIS chairmanship to Turkmenistan in 2026. This demonstrates the high level of trust and recognition of the active role the country, guided by the principle of positive neutrality, plays in strengthening regional cooperation. As part of this decision, the next scheduled meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS will be held in Turkmenistan in October 2026.

Key Decisions on Security and the Economy

During the meeting, chaired by President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, the heads of state exchanged views on pressing issues and adopted a number of important documents.

Particular attention was paid to strengthening regional security. The leaders approved a Cooperation Program to Combat Terrorism and Extremism for 2026–2028. This program includes improving mechanisms, developing the international legal framework, conducting joint activities to prevent and investigate crimes, and developing human resources.

In line with these measures, a Cooperation Program to Strengthen Border Security at External Borders for 2026–2030 was signed, designed to counter modern challenges and threats.

In the economic sphere, a Declaration on Cooperation in Ensuring Regional Energy Security was adopted. This document aims to protect the economies and populations of CIS countries from various threats, ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of energy resources to consumers, and increase the sustainability of the fuel and energy sector.

Establishment of the "CIS Plus" Format

One of the summit's strategic decisions was the establishment of the "Commonwealth of Independent States Plus" format. This new platform is designed to develop cooperation between CIS countries and other states, their associations, and international organizations. The "CIS Plus" format aims to establish a sustainable political dialogue and strengthen economic and humanitarian ties with external partners.

The summit also adopted a number of joint statements by the heads of state, including documents on combating transnational crime, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the UN, and in connection with the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident. It should be noted that, in addition to these, the summit adopted a wide range of other decisions aimed at further deepening integration within the Commonwealth.

Photo: eccis.org