Despite objective difficulties, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) has managed to preserve the foundation of cooperation and ensure its mutually beneficial nature, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan said during a restricted-format meeting of the CIS summit in the Awaza national tourist zone on 9 October, BelTA has learned.

The head of state noted that the meeting was taking place in the year of the 35th anniversary of the CIS establishment, which he called an important milestone date. Reflecting on this journey, the president of Turkmenistan stated that the CIS acquitted itself well. “Despite objective difficulties, we have managed to preserve the foundation of cooperation and ensure its equal, respectful, and mutually beneficial nature,” he emphasized. “Trade and economic ties are consistently developing, a solid dynamic in combined trade is observed, especially in recent years, and the substantive agenda of political and diplomatic interaction is expanding.”

Serdar Berdimuhamedov is convinced that the CIS format has proven to be a convenient and effective platform for diplomatic consultations on current international issues. Furthermore, the diverse spectrum of humanitarian ties covers culture, science, education, sports, tourism, and other important areas. He added that this helps strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the peoples of the CIS, significantly complementing interstate relations.

The president of Turkmenistan described the agenda of the current summit as highly substantive. “I am convinced that the discussion and exchange of views will serve as important guidelines for future work, the main goal of which always remains unchanged – the well-being and prosperity of our peoples, the preservation and enhancement of everything positive and valuable that unites us, unlocking the potential of the CIS in the political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation, enhancing the prestige and effectiveness of the CIS on the international stage, and strengthening its partnerships with other respected bodies, primarily the UN,” he said.