nCa Report The most useful way to document the diplomatic activity at Awaza is to treat the three summits as one connected diplomatic occasion, while distinguishing the meetings held in connection with each gathering. This matters because bilateral talks can serve several purposes simultaneously: strengthening political relations, advancing trade and transport projects, … [Read more...]
Awaza CIS Summit: Turkmenistan Puts Transport Connectivity and International Law at the Centre of Regional Cooperation
nCa Report The Commonwealth's 35th anniversary summit adopted 15 documents, designated 2029 as the Year of CIS Transport Connectivity and outlined priorities for economic cooperation. Iran's participation added a new regional dimension, while Uzbekistan prepared to assume the CIS chairmanship in 2027. A summit focused on continuity and practical cooperation The … [Read more...]
First Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia with Participation of Azerbaijan
Tariq Saeedi and Raviliya Kadyrova The first consultative meeting of the heads of state of Central Asia and Azerbaijan was held at Awaza on 8 October 2026. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan hosted and moderated the meeting. Executive Synthesis: The Awaza Summit Framework Format: First Formal Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and … [Read more...]
Matvienko’s Avaza Visit Links Parliamentary Diplomacy, Health and Women’s Leadership
AVAZA, Turkmenistan – Valentina Matviyenko’s visit to Turkmenistan for the events in Avaza has unfolded across several different layers of regional diplomacy, bringing together Russian-Turkmen relations, parliamentary cooperation, healthcare, humanitarian issues and the international discussion on the role of women in peace and sustainable development. The Chairwoman of the … [Read more...]
Avaza Demography Conference Adopts Final Document on Sustainable Development
AVAZA, Turkmenistan – Demographic change, population structure, family policy, labour markets and migration have emerged as increasingly important elements of sustainable development policy following an international conference in Avaza that brought together parliamentarians, United Nations specialists and experts from across the region. The International Conference … [Read more...]
Avaza Diplomacy: Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Holds Bilateral Talks with Iran, Russia and Belarus
AVAZA, Turkmenistan – The concentration of senior officials in Avaza for the major regional and Commonwealth of Independent States events has provided Turkmenistan with an additional platform for bilateral diplomacy, with Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov holding separate meetings on October 7 with senior representatives of Iran, Russia and Belarus. The meetings covered … [Read more...]
Avaza Health Conference Advances CIS Priorities on Primary Care, Medicines and Health Financing
AVAZA, Turkmenistan – The second International Conference on Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals in Avaza has moved beyond general discussion of healthcare cooperation, with participants identifying a number of priorities for closer coordination among CIS countries, including stronger primary healthcare, improved access to medicines and more … [Read more...]
CIS Declares 2029 Year of Transport Connectivity on Turkmenistan Initiative
AVAZA, Turkmenistan – October 7, 2026 — The Commonwealth of Independent States has agreed to declare 2029 the Year of Transport Connectivity of the CIS, adopting the decision on the initiative of Turkmenistan at a meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers in Avaza on Wednesday. The decision is one of the most concrete outcomes to emerge from the first day of the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Belarus Sign 2027–2028 Foreign Ministry Cooperation Programme
AVAZA, Turkmenistan — Turkmenistan and Belarus have agreed on a new two-year programme to guide cooperation between their foreign ministries, adding another bilateral diplomatic framework to the series of agreements being concluded on the sidelines of Turkmenistan’s 2026 chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The Cooperation Programme between the Ministry of … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Iran Put Transit Connectivity Back on the Agenda
Foreign Minister Meredov and Iran's roads minister discuss transport links in Avaza; no new agreement announced AWAZA, Turkmenistan — Turkmenistan and Iran discussed ways to expand transport links and make better use of their transit potential on Wednesday, on the sidelines of events in Avaza marking Turkmenistan's 2026 chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent … [Read more...]
Avaza Women’s Dialogue Opens With Regional Voices Linking Women’s Leadership to Peace, Climate and Development
Raviliya Kadyrova at Awaza The International Women's Dialogue in Turkmenistan has opened with a question that goes beyond women's rights: how can women's participation in public life, diplomacy and economic development support peace and resilience in a region facing climate change, water and food insecurity, economic instability and social change? The dialogue, titled … [Read more...]
CIS Foreign Ministers Meet in Avaza as Turkmenistan’s Chairmanship Reaches Its Summit Week
The ministerial session prepares documents for the 9 October leaders' meeting. Russia and Turkmenistan used the occasion to approve a foreign-ministry cooperation programme for 2027–2028. Tariq Saeedi and Raviliya Kadyrova at Awaza Foreign ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States met in the Avaza National Tourist Zone on 7 October to review the Commonwealth's … [Read more...]
One Resort, Three Summits: Avaza Puts Regional Diplomacy to a Practical Test
From October 7 to 9, the CIS, the Central Asia–Azerbaijan format and the Caspian environmental track converge on Turkmenistan's coast. What follows the meetings will matter more than the meetings themselves. Tariq Saeedi The Avaza National Tourist Zone on Turkmenistan's Caspian coast is ready for three unusually dense days of diplomacy. From October 7 to 9, a sequence of … [Read more...]
Meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to Turkmenistan was held
On 30 September 2026, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Turkmenistan Stanislav Chepurny. During the meeting, the parties discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation, in … [Read more...]
Changing economic priorities of Uzbekistan reshape its engagement with the CIS
Alexey Kustov, Chief Research Fellow Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan For Uzbekistan, Commonwealth of Independent States primarily represent a set of practical mechanisms, including the free trade regime, mutual recognition of documents and standards, visa-free movement of citizens, and agreements on transit and … [Read more...]
CIS Expands Economic Agenda as Ashgabat Hosts New Cooperation Initiatives
Transport security, high technologies, innovation, digitalization and mutual trade were among the key issues addressed at the 111th meeting of the CIS Economic Council, held in Ashgabat on 11 September. The meeting resulted in the approval of a number of programmes and concepts aimed at strengthening practical economic cooperation among the CIS member states. The meeting was … [Read more...]
CIS Interparliamentary Assembly to Hold Events in Ashgabat in November
A series of events of the Interparliamentary Assembly (IPA) of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will be held in Ashgabat on 19–20 November 2026, including the 61st plenary session of the Assembly. The IPA CIS session will be held in Turkmenistan for the first time, as the country holds the CIS chairmanship in 2026. The programme will also include a meeting of the … [Read more...]
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Meets with CIS Secretary-General
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Independent States Sergey Lebedev, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the 111th meeting of the CIS Economic Council, reports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the talks, the sides exchanged views on topical issues on the CIS … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Awaza Prepares for CIS Foreign Ministers and Heads of State Meetings: Preparation Protocol Signed
On 8 September 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan hosted the signing of the Protocol on Coordinating Issues of Preparation for the Meetings of the Council of Foreign Ministers and the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which will take place on 7 and 9 October 2026 in the Awaza National Tourist Zone. The document aims … [Read more...]
CIS Permanent Representatives Meet in Minsk to Prepare October Summits in Turkmenistan
The Council of Permanent Plenipotentiary Representatives of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) convened in Minsk on 28 July to review preparations for upcoming CIS high-level meetings in Turkmenistan, assess the country's chairmanship of the organization, and discuss new initiatives in digital transformation and regional cooperation. According to the CIS Executive … [Read more...]
Belarusian President to Attend Autumn CIS Summit in Turkmenistan
President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus will participate in the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which will take place this autumn in Turkmenistan. The announcement was made by the Ambassador of Belarus to Turkmenistan, Stanislav Chepurnoy, in an article written for the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper. "This year, … [Read more...]
Concept of Turkmenistan’s Chairmanship in the CIS in 2026 Circulated as an Official Document of the UN General Assembly
The Concept of the Chairmanship of Turkmenistan in the Commonwealth of Independent States in 2026 has been published and circulated as an official document of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly under agenda item 126 entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations” with the symbol A/80/722. The circulation of this … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan meets CIS Secretary-General
On 22 May 2026, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev, who arrived in Ashgabat to attend the Council of Heads of Government meeting, the TDH news agency reports. During the talks, Lebedev highly commended Turkmenistan’s contribution to fostering multilateral dialogue across the Commonwealth. In turn, the Head of State reaffirmed that … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Welcomes Uzbek Prime Minister
On 22 May 2026, ahead of the CIS Council of Heads of Government meeting in Ashgabat, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, the State News Agency (TDH) reports. At the start of the meeting, Aripov conveyed warm greetings from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Turkmen President and the National Leader of the Turkmen … [Read more...]
Digitalization, Navigation, and Transport Corridors: Key Takeaways from the CIS Summit in Ashgabat
Ashgabat took center stage today as the premier diplomatic and business hub for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government sparked a wave of rapid-fire bilateral talks, paving the way for full-scale multilateral discussions. Delegations focused on pivotal issues, ultimately sealing agreements that will reshape regional … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Discuss Current Cooperation Issues
On the sidelines of the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic. Kasymaliev conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the Head of Turkmenistan on behalf of President of the Kyrgyz … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Boosts Economic Partnership in the CIS: Trade Turnover Exceeds $4 Billion
On 22 May 2026, during an expanded-format meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government in Ashgabat, Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, delivered a speech. In his address, he outlined Ashgabat's key priorities within the Commonwealth, highlighted a record growth in mutual trade, and proposed concrete steps for the … [Read more...]
Meeting of the CIS IPA Council Held in St. Petersburg: Autumn Session of the Assembly to Take Place in Ashgabat
On 21 May 2026, St. Petersburg hosted a meeting of the Council of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS IPA). The meeting was opened by the Chairperson of the CIS IPA Council, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko. The meeting was attended by the heads of parliamentary … [Read more...]
Sergey Lebedev: Agenda of the CIS Council of Heads of Government Meeting in Ashgabat Finalized Completely
Today, Ashgabat will host a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), chaired by Turkmenistan. "The meeting of the Council of Heads of Government will be held here under the chairmanship of Hojamurad Geldimuradov, Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan. I believe it will be successful, as a conciliatory meeting was held … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Prepares to Host CIS Council of Heads of Government Meeting: Agenda Features Economy, Digital Transformation, and New Youth Capitals
Ashgabat is preparing to host a major international event. The day after tomorrow, 22 May 2026, the capital will welcome the next meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). This high-level summit is set to focus on key aspects of integration and cooperation. According to preliminary reports, the draft agenda includes twelve … [Read more...]
CIS Heads of State Summit to Be Held in Turkmenistan’s “Awaza” in October 2026 – Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Valentina Matviyenko Hold Phone Conversation
A phone conversation took place on 30 December 2025, between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matviyenko, according to the state news agency TDH. During the discussion, the sides … [Read more...]
Traditional December Summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States: Year-End Review and Future Plans
On 22 December 2025, in St. Petersburg, leaders from member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) gathered for their traditional informal pre-New Year summit. Participants included: Russian President Vladimir Putin, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyz President … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan to Attend Informal CIS Summit in St. Petersburg
On 21 December 2025, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov departed for a working visit to St.Petersburg, Russia, to participate in the informal High-Level Summit of the Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), TDH reports. "Informal CIS summits have become an important platform allowing the leaders of CIS member states to maintain close dialogue. Unlike … [Read more...]
Speech by President of Turkmenistan at an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers (6 December 2025)
Dear participants of the meeting! At the initiative of Turkmenistan, the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus the Resolution "2025 – International Year of Peace and Trust", which became one of the significant political events. In this regard, I would like to note that a number of important international events were held in 2025. The significance of the … [Read more...]
Oguljahan Atabayeva Holds Series of Working Meetings in St. Petersburg on the Sidelines of the “Fashion Commonwealth” Forum
During her working visit to St. Petersburg, Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Supporting to Children in Need of Guardianship, held a number of productive meetings with heads of Russian charitable and public organizations. The meeting with Ekaterina Dibrova, President of the V.P. Filatov … [Read more...]
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation Showcases Its Achievements at the International “Fashion Commonwealth” Forum in St. Petersburg
On 19 November 2025, a Turkmen delegation headed by Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Charitable Foundation for Aid to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, arrived in St. Petersburg at the personal invitation of Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation. The primary … [Read more...]
Heads of security and intelligence agencies of CIS countries met In Samarkand
On 17 October 2025, the 21st meeting of the Conference of Heads of Security and Intelligence Agencies of CIS Member States on intelligence activities took place in Samarkand, reported the CIS Executive Committee. The event was attended by delegations from the special services of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and … [Read more...]
Security, economy, logistics: The President of Turkmenistan outlined the priorities of cooperation in the CIS
During the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), held in Tajikistan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov delivered a speech in which he emphasized the role of the CIS as a format for equal and respectful interaction. The speech was devoted to key aspects of cooperation within the Commonwealth, including … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan to Assume CIS Chairmanship in 2026
At the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit held in Dushanbe, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon announced that Turkmenistan will take over the CIS chairmanship in 2026. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude for the trust placed in his country and outlined Turkmenistan’s priorities for the chairmanship period. He emphasized … [Read more...]
CIS summit in Dushanbe: Launch of ‘CIS+,’ Turkmenistan Takes Chairmanship, and Key Security Package Approved
On 10 October 2025, a regular meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State was held in Dushanbe under the chairmanship of President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. The summit was attended by: • Azerbaijan - President Ilham Aliyev • Armenia - Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan • Belarus - President Alexander Lukashenko • Kazakhstan - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev • … [Read more...]
Dushanbe to host CIS and “Central Asia–Russia” Summits
On 9–10 October 2025, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, will host a series of high-level meetings in the formats of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Central Asia: • Summit of Heads of State in the “Central Asia–Russia” format• Meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State• Meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers On 9 October, the Presidents of Tajikistan, … [Read more...]
CIS Heads of Government session held in Minsk – Turkmenistan to host next meeting
On 29 September 2025, Minsk hosted the regular meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), bringing together prime-ministers and senior representatives of member states to discuss key issues of economic, scientific-technological, and humanitarian cooperation. Turkmenistan was represented at the meeting by Deputy Chairman of … [Read more...]
CIS on the Brink of Major Summits: Permanent Representatives in Minsk Shape Agendas for Upcoming High-Level Meetings
The latest meeting of the Council of Permanent Plenipotentiary Representatives of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to its statutory and other bodies took place on 19 August 2025 at the CIS headquarters in Minsk. Turkmenistan was represented by Ambassador Nazarguly Shaguliyev. During the meeting, the representatives drafted the agendas for the upcoming sessions of … [Read more...]
30 Years of Neutrality: CIS Celebrates Turkmenistan’s Peaceful Policy and Constructive Partnership
On 23 July 2025, a ceremonial event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality took place in Minsk. The event was organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Belarus, according to the Press Service of the CIS Executive Committee. The meeting was opened by the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belarus and Permanent Plenipotentiary … [Read more...]
An Unforgettable Summer for Turkmen Schoolchildren in Belarus: Unity, Friendship, and Cultural Dialogue
This summer, ten talented schoolchildren from Turkmenistan had an unforgettable experience during a ten-day stay in the Republic of Belarus. They took part in the 10th International Cultural and Educational Forum of CIS Member States titled “Children of the Commonwealth,” held from July 7 to 16 at the National Children’s Educational and Health Center “Zubryonok,” beautifully … [Read more...]
“Children of the CIS” in Belarus: A Kaleidoscope of Central Asian Cultures
The Republic of Belarus is hosting the “Children of the Commonwealth of Independent States” forum, bringing together young delegates from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Organized by the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS and the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus with … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Participates in Meeting of CIS Capital Police Department Heads
On 11 July, the fifth Meeting of Heads of Capital Subdivisions of Internal Affairs Bodies of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) took place in Astana. The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan under the coordination of the Bureau for Coordinating Combating Organized Crime and Other Dangerous Types of Crime in CIS Member States, … [Read more...]
Children of the CIS countries in Minsk: Belarus Unites Youth for Shared History and Future
On 7 July 2025, the Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War in Minsk hosted the grand opening of the 10th International Cultural and Educational Forum "Children of the Commonwealth of Independent States." The event brought together schoolchildren from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan participated in CIS Heads of Government Council Meeting in Dushanbe
On 5 June 2025, a regular meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) took place in Dushanbe. The meeting brought together prime ministers from Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, and Uzbekistan. Turkmenistan was represented by Deputy Prime Minister for the Financial and Economic … [Read more...]
The delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the regular meeting of the CIS Ministerial Council and the meeting in the Central Asia-Russia format
On 11 April 2025, in Almaty, a delegation of Turkmenistan led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmet Gurbanov took part in a regular meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The event was attended by the heads of the foreign ministries of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, … [Read more...]