A summit of CIS heads of state begins today in the city of Turkmenbashi. The Commonwealth is marking its 35th anniversary this year, and experts note that the cooperation mechanisms established in the early 1990s are proving highly relevant in the new geopolitical reality.
In addition to the heads of the five Central Asian republics, leaders from Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, and Armenia will gather in Turkmenistan. Furthermore, for the first time in CIS history, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has been invited to the expanded-format meeting. Analysts note that this format entails discussing issues related to boosting economic activity along the Central Asia–Caucasus–Middle East axis.
In this context, it is worth noting that Iran already has a free trade agreement with the EAEU nations. Meanwhile, the regional logistics network currently being developed with capabilities set to expand significantly upon the launch of new transport hubs and routes, including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway promises a substantial increase in trade volumes among partners. In essence, the focus is on aligning economic interests and opportunities across the region stretching from the center of Eurasia to the Persian Gulf, via the Caspian region and the Caucasus.
These opportunities are already being utilized; Tajikistan is already receiving petroleum products from Iran. Moreover, Tehran and Dushanbe have recently established a full visa-free regime between their countries. Otherwise, the CIS summit agenda will be packed with the usual topics: maintaining regional stability, strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties, developing educational and tourism programs, cooperating on youth policy, and collaborating in key areas such as energy and the environment. Another important agenda item will be the development of the "CIS+" format.
The eighth consultative meeting of the heads of state of Central Asia and Azerbaijan will also take place in Turkmenbashi. The press service of the President of Kyrgyzstan announced that Sadyr Zhaparov’s working visit to Turkmenistan will last two days, on October 8 and 9.
