Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his working program in Bishkek. The capital of Kyrgyzstan will host a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State.
As previously reported, the meeting will be held in a narrow format, with only the leaders participating, and in an expanded format, with the inclusion of delegations. At the end of the summit, a package of joint documents is planned to be signed. Before the start, the heads of delegations will be welcomed by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, who is currently chairing the CIS. All events will conclude with an official reception.
In addition to Zhaparov and Putin, Presidents Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan are expected to attend the meeting. The press service of the Armenian government stated earlier that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan would not be traveling to Bishkek.
The Council meeting will take place at the Ala-Archa state residence, located in the village of Chon-Aryk, adjacent to Bishkek. This picturesque location is situated in the foothills of the Ala-Too range, a spur of the Tien Shan. Typically, all events involving high-ranking foreign guests in Bishkek are held on the grounds of this residence.
Meeting agenda
Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov stressed earlier in a conversation with journalists that strengthening multilateral cooperation and integration ties within the CIS is a top priority of Russian foreign policy. Russia aims to enhance cooperation with partners in political, economic, cultural, humanitarian, law enforcement, and other spheres.
According to Ushakov, the heads of state will assess the results of this year's cooperation and define key objectives for the future. They will also exchange views on current international and regional issues. During the meeting, President Putin will inform partners about the main priorities of Russia's presidency in the CIS in 2024.
The meeting will place significant emphasis on the development of trade and investment partnerships. Russia's foreign trade turnover with Commonwealth countries increased by 6% at the end of 2022 compared to 2021, reaching $101.7 billion. The positive trend continued in January to July, with trade volume increasing by 4.2% to $57.4 billion.
The summit will also address the critical issue of ensuring security in the CIS. Decisions are expected to be made regarding the reinforcement of coordination in areas such as counterterrorism, countering extremism, combating organized crime, illegal drug trafficking, and corruption.
Following the meeting, both President Zhaparov and CIS Secretary-General Sergei Lebedev will make statements to the press. Among the documents slated for signing are an agreement to establish the CIS International Organization for the Russian Language, an agreement to establish the International Center for Assessing the Risks of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, an agreement to establish the CIS Coordination Council in the field of forensic activities, and an interstate program outlining joint measures to combat crime for the period of 2024-2028.
Putin's first day in Bishkek
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Bishkek the day before and had a busy schedule. On that day, he held talks with President Zhaparov, resulting in the signing of several bilateral cooperation agreements. Both leaders addressed the media, and later, they jointly participated in a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the Russian airbase in Kant, Kyrgyzstan.
Towards the end of the working day, Putin held talks with President Ilham Aliyev, where they discussed various topics, including the situation in and around Karabakh.
President Putin is scheduled to hold another bilateral meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on October 13.
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Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS