President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov recently met with Sergei Lebedev, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), who arrived in Ashgabat for the upcoming CIS Council of Heads of Government meeting, the official newspaper : "Neytralny Turkmenistan" reports.
Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Turkmenistan, despite its neutral status and associate membership in the CIS, plays an active role in the Commonwealth. The country participates vigorously in economic, cultural, and humanitarian programs, and regularly hosts CIS events. Key areas of collaboration include leveraging opportunities in the economy and trade, energy, transport, communications, and telecommunications, as well as strengthening scientific, educational, cultural, and sports relations.
Lebedev expressed gratitude to President Berdimuhamedov for his active support in fostering constructive cooperation within the CIS, aligning with the goals of mutual prosperity. He praised Turkmenistan's proactive approach to enhancing economic and humanitarian ties within the Commonwealth, considering current realities and future prospects.
The president noted that Turkmenistan, in cooperation with the CIS Executive Committee, had undertaken extensive preparatory work to organize the high-level meeting. He highlighted that the forthcoming meeting would be an excellent opportunity to discuss the main areas and prospects of CIS cooperation, with outcomes expected to further strengthen multilateral interaction. Cooperation within the CIS remains a priority aspect of Turkmenistan's foreign policy strategy.
Berdimuhamedov also mentioned that the meeting would consider a draft decision to declare Ashgabat the City of New Sports Opportunities of the Commonwealth, an initiative by Turkmenistan. He believes this will further solidify friendly ties. Lebedev acknowledged Ashgabat's infrastructure for organizing high-level international sports events, noting that the country has become a hub for world-class sports competitions. Both parties also discussed climate change issues, agreeing on the need to intensify efforts in addressing environmental challenges, including the development of green technologies.
In a separate meeting, Lebedev met with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty (People's Council) of Turkmenistan. The head of the People's Council emphasized Turkmenistan's active participation in CIS summits, meetings, and events, and its broad cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, culture, and sports. He advocated for further coordination in transportation and energy sectors, reiterating Turkmenistan's commitment to strengthening friendly relations and fostering effective multilateral cooperation aimed at achieving tangible results.
About the Meeting
The CIS Council of Heads of Government meeting is scheduled for May 24 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's capital. The previous meeting took place in late October 2023 in Bishkek, attended by the heads of government from Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, deputy prime ministers from Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkmenistan, as well as representatives from the Eurasian Economic Union and the CIS Executive Committee.
Turkmenistan is an associate member of the CIS.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS