Diplomatic Steps: Preparations for the CIS Leaders' Summit to Continue in Turkmenistan

On April 17, 2026, the regular meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was held in Moscow. This meeting not only strengthened cooperation within the Commonwealth but also determined the dates and venues for future historic gatherings. During the session, important international issues were discussed, and the following key decisions were made: - An agreement was reached to establish two new basic organizations in the field of education within the CIS framework. - A Joint Statement dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the first human spaceflight was approved. It emphasized that space should be used only for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all nations. - According to the "TASS" news agency, participants also reviewed several draft documents to be submitted for approval to the CIS Council of Heads of State and the Council of Heads of Government. According to CIS Secretary General Sergei Lebedev, the next meeting of the CIS foreign ministers will be held on October 7 in Turkmenistan. This meeting will serve as a crucial preparatory stage for the CIS Council of Heads of State (summit) scheduled for October 9, 2026. As noted by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Ahmet Gurbanov, this large-scale political event will take place in the "Awaza" National Tourist Zone, the pearl of the Caspian Sea. Holding high-level CIS meetings in Turkmenistan, particularly in Awaza, proves that our country is an effective platform for ensuring peace and stability in the region. It will once again clearly demonstrate to the international community the growing role of neutral Turkmenistan in international cooperation, as well as its high level of organizational capabilities and hospitality.