On January 22, the first event within the framework of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was held at the Moscow office of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the meeting of the Economic Affairs Committee under the Economic Council of the CIS.
Speaking at the meeting, the Plenipotentiary Representative of Turkmenistan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation and Head of the Economic Affairs Committee E. Aydogdyev emphasized that Turkmenistan, fully understanding the scale and level of tasks to be jointly implemented, approaches this important work with great responsibility.
E. Aydogdyev introduced the audience to the main directions of the Concept of Turkmenistan’s Chairmanship of the CIS in 2026. It was emphasized that in the political sphere, the state’s work will be aimed at strengthening regional security and trust, promoting the principles of neutrality, and activating diplomatic relations in order to strengthen the role of the CIS as a platform for peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding.
As noted, Turkmenistan intends to use its chairmanship to advance its initiatives aimed at strengthening economic, transport, and energy cooperation. The main guideline here is the Strategy of Economic Development of the CIS for the period up to 2030.
Particular attention will also be paid to the logistics potential of the CIS as a bridge connecting the territories of Eurasia, the Caspian Sea, Central Asia, and the Middle East. In this regard, Turkmenistan proposes to declare 2027 the “Year of CIS Transport Connectivity”.
The humanitarian direction will be an important part of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship. Our country is guided by the fact that cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, tourism, and the media contributes to enhancing mutual understanding and preserving the spiritual heritage of the peoples of the Commonwealth
As E. Aydogdiev noted that Turkmenistan traditionally pays great attention to environmental issues, sustainable development, in particular, cooperation in renewable energy sources, and protection of the biodiversity of the Caspian region. In this regard, our state will make efforts to convene the Second Caspian Environmental Forum in 2026.
In conclusion, E. Aydogdiev expressed confidence that Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS will significantly strengthen the role of the CIS as a platform for equal cooperation and trust, expand economic and transport relations between member states, as well as coordinate new approaches to the urgent problems of the 21st century.
Representatives of those present warmly congratulated Turkmenistan on the beginning of its chairmanship in the CIS, expressed their full support in this regard, and wished it success in the responsible work ahead.

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On the same day, a meeting was held between E. Aydogdyev and CIS Secretary General S. Lebedev.
During the meeting, they exchanged views on joint work within the framework of Turkmenistan’s chairmanship of the CIS in 2026 and the high content and organizational level of the planned events.