On August 25, 2026, a meeting of the Council of Permanent Plenipotentiary Representatives of the Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) under the statutory and other bodies of the Commonwealth was held in Minsk. It was also attended by CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev.

During the meeting, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Nazarguly Shagulyyew delivered a speech on important issues included in the agenda at the initiative of Turkmenistan.

The diplomat provided detailed information to the participants on the preparations for festive celebrations dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's state independence. He also spoke about the preparations underway for the meeting of the Halk Maslahatyny of Turkmenistan, scheduled for September 23.

It was noted that the meeting of the Halk Maslahatyny will be of great importance in determining the main directions of the country's socio-economic development. Turkmenistan's policy of positive neutrality serves as a reliable foundation for developing mutually beneficial and constructive cooperation in the region.

During the meeting, views were also exchanged on preparing the agenda for the upcoming meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government to be held in December in Moscow. The expected meeting is projected to discuss a number of documents in areas such as industry, innovation, fundamental science, ecology, and humanitarian cooperation.

In addition, issues related to tourism and the "Commonwealth" film festival were added to the agenda. Views were exchanged on developing the CIS's relations with foreign countries and international organizations, including utilizing the opportunities of the Commonwealth's Observer and Partner status.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of developing the "CIS+" format. It was noted that initiatives within this format, such as granting observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, create new opportunities for dialogue with international organizations.

The meeting demonstrated Turkmenistan's active participation in developing cooperation within the framework of the CIS, strengthening interregional ties, and promoting a mutually beneficial dialogue on the international stage.