An informal summit of the heads of CIS countries is taking place in St. Petersburg. A recording of the event is available on the Kremlin's Telegram channel.
Among the participants of the summit are: Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdymukhamedov, and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Vladimir Putin was the first to address the participants, emphasizing that the informal setting would allow for a review of the progress of joint activities within the CIS by 2025, as well as outlining future plans and discussing current international issues.
Putin noted that over more than three decades, the Commonwealth has become a respected regional association, where member states build their relationships on the principles of good neighborliness, equality, and mutual benefit. He also pointed out the importance of considering the interests of all parties.
During his speech, the President of Russia reported that from January to October 2023, trade turnover between CIS countries amounted to nearly $90 billion. He also emphasized that the Commonwealth has contributed to the preservation and development of ties in various areas — economy, culture, and humanitarian issues, calling the cooperation "generally successful."
According to Putin, there is a growing cooperation in the financial sector, with active use of national currencies for settlements between countries, which already accounts for over 96% in commercial transactions. This ensures independence from international banking systems.
In addition, large projects in industry and infrastructure are being implemented with the participation of entrepreneurs from CIS countries. New production chains are being created, and logistics corridors are being modernized, which contributes to the development of technological independence of states. Putin also noted the increased interest in cooperation in the fields of science, digital technologies, and innovations.
Putin emphasized the importance of joint efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, and organized crime, stating that operational links between law enforcement agencies are being established and long-term cooperation programs are being implemented.
In the field of cultural interaction, CIS countries strive to preserve a unified humanitarian space. The President of Russia highlighted the need for joint efforts to preserve historical memory and counter attempts to falsify it, especially regarding the feats accomplished during the Great Patriotic War.
The summit participants expressed unanimity in their approaches to key global issues and supported the need to create a just international order based on the principles of international law and with a central role for the UN. Putin thanked Tajikistan for its successful chairmanship in the outgoing year and wished good luck to Turkmenistan, which will take on this role starting January 1, 2026.
In conclusion of his address, Putin congratulated everyone present on the upcoming New Year, wishing health, happiness, and prosperity to the peoples of the Commonwealth countries. He expressed confidence that deepening partnerships within the CIS serves the interests of all peoples.
