Turkmenistan Strengthens Cooperation with CIS Countries

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan - Turkmenistan is actively exploring opportunities to strengthen cooperation with the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). This was the focus of recent meetings between Turkmen officials and CIS representatives in Ashgabat and Moscow.

On April 22, the Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met with the First Deputy Secretary-General of the CIS Leonid Anfimov in Ashgabat. The two sides discussed enhancing cooperation in political, economic, environmental, cultural, humanitarian, and sports spheres. They also reviewed Turkmenistan's participation in CIS events planned for 2024 and preparations for the upcoming meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the CIS, which will be held in the Turkmen capital in May.

Earlier in the week, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation, Esen Aydogdyev, held talks with the CIS Secretary General Sergei Lebedev at the Moscow branch of the CIS Executive Committee. Their discussions centered around the schedule of CIS events for the current year, including the Ashgabat meeting, Council, Heads, Government on May 24.

Turkmenistan has been a member of the CIS since 1991 and is actively strengthening its economic, political, and cultural ties with other member states through various joint initiatives. Key areas of cooperation include energy, transport, and trade.

Why this matters: Turkmenistan's efforts to bolster ties with CIS countries reflect its strategic location and potential as a regional hub for trade and transit. Closer integration within the CIS framework could bring significant economic benefits and geopolitical influence for Turkmenistan.

In a related development, Ashgabat hosted the XXXVIII meeting of the Council of Heads and Responsible Representatives of Railway Transport Organizations of the CIS member states from April 15 to 19. The forum, attended by specialists from over 20 CIS countries, reviewed the results of the Railway Cooperation Organization's work in 2023 and approved plans for the future. "Turkmenistan, as a member of the organization since 1994, plays an important role in expanding international transit cargo transportation and implementing a coordinated transport policy at the regional level," noted a representative of the Turkmen Railways.

Key Takeaways

• Turkmenistan strengthening cooperation with CIS countries through meetings.
• Discussions on enhancing political, economic, cultural, and sports ties.
• Turkmenistan preparing for CIS Council of Heads of Government meeting.
• Turkmenistan a CIS member since 1991, expanding economic and transit ties.
• Turkmenistan hosts CIS railway transport organization meeting, plays key role.