The leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states are preparing to approve a statement endorsing and promoting the Russian language as a means of interethnic communication at their upcoming meeting. This information was conveyed by the press service of the organization's Executive Committee.
"On September 8, 2023, a meeting of the expert group to finalize the draft statement of the heads of the CIS member states on supporting and promoting the Russian language as a medium for interethnic communication was conducted via videoconferencing in Minsk," - the statement reads. - "The draft statement is scheduled for adoption at the upcoming meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State."
The expert group meeting was attended by representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the CIS Executive Committee.
"The draft statement underscores the significance of preserving and promoting the distinctive linguistic, historical, and cultural heritage of the CIS member states. It emphasizes the role of the Russian language in enhancing the shared cultural and humanitarian space within the Commonwealth and reaffirms the commitment to utilizing the Russian language in mutual interactions and within the frameworks of international organizations and forums," highlighted the CIS Executive Committee.
The next meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State is scheduled for October 13th in Bishkek.
In the CIS countries, 2023 has been declared the Year of the Russian language as a language of interethnic communication. During the CIS summit held in mid-October 2022, the heads of state endorsed the initiative of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish an international organization aimed at supporting and promoting the Russian language under the auspices of the Commonwealth. They also approved the concept for this organization. Currently, experts from the Commonwealth countries have reached an agreement on a draft agreement for the establishment of the organization and the corresponding decision of the CIS Council of Ministers.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
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Based on materials from TASS