Cooperation between the CIS countries: New impulses and systematic approach

The Oguzkent Hotel of tturkemn capital hosted the session of the Council of the Heads of States of the Commonwealth of Independent States chaired by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbai Jeenbekov, President of the Republic of Moldova Igor Dodon, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rakhmon, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Ashgabat for participation in the session, which turkemnistan held as a country chairing the CIS this year. The Republic of Armenia is represented by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

As it was informed before the meeting, on October 10, the President of Turkmenistan held bilateral meetings with the Presidents of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Chairman of the Executive Committee – the CIS Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev.

Prior to the Forum, the President of Turkmenistan had bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, the Presidents of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

After the ceremony of joint photographing against the background of the official banner of the Summit, the State flags of the CIS member states and the CIS Flag, the forum participants had a meeting in a narrow format.

Declaring the regular meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States open, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev was taking part in the summit for the first time. On behalf of all those present and on his own behalf, the head of Turkmenistan welcomed the distinguished guest as a member of the Council of CIS Heads of State and wished him success in his responsible work.

After announcement of the agenda of the session, the President of Turkmenistan proposed to the participants of the Summit to add another point to the agenda. Since terms of office of Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee Sergey Lebedev is due on December 31, the Head of Turkmenistan spoke of appropriateness to make a decision on this subject, having also noted that relative request has been received through diplomatic channels from President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

After approval and adoption of the regulation and agenda of the session taking into account above-mentioned amendments, Turkmen leader proposed the share the visions on current subjects of cooperation under the Commonwealth, having invited the participants of the Summit to discussion.

First, the floor was given to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Having expressed gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for hospitality, high-rank guest highlighted fraternal character of Turkmen – Azeri relations, which was confirmed again by the meeting with Turkmen leader on the day before.

President Ilham Aliyev said that he recollects with warmth his official visit to Turkmenistan in November last year, during which wide range of subjects of bilateral cooperation has been discussed and record number of documents has been signed.

Having noted that Application of the CIS Heads of the states to the peoples of the Commonwealth and world community in regard to the 75th anniversary of Victory of Soviet People in the Great Patriotic War 1941 – 1945is one of the points of the agenda of the Summit, high-rank guest highlighted that our people showed heroism and courage, which are examples for future generations, at the battle fields and at rare fronts of this most blood-shed war.

President Ilham Aliyev has also spoken for further development of beneficial cooperation in the CIS, which meets common interests.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia who spoke after expressed gratitude for excellent organization of the session, cordiality and hospitality in Turkmen land and noted that he was impressed with Ashgabat, which he visits for the first time, magnificent architecture and modern image of the city.

The Prime Minister of Armenia expressed gratitude to Turkmenistan for productive work while chairing the Commonwealth, which is aimed at further development of the CIS, which was reflected in the list of the subjects of the agenda.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that Armenian side welcomes the Declaration of Strategic Economic Cooperation initiated by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and supports any initiatives aimed at intensification of partnership and expansion of integration processes in the CIS space.

The floor was given to President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko. In his speech, Belarusian leader noted that taking into account all events that happen in the world, there is an objective necessity of strengthening of the Commonwealth as self-sufficient and effective association.

High-rank guest highlighted that economics remains the foundation of interstate cooperation. This is very important that Declaration on Strategic Economic Cooperation has confirmed again the desire for consolidation of economic potentials of the CIS countries and for intensification of production, cooperation and trade relations.

Speaking of the subject of development of the strategy of economic development of the CIS until 2030, Belarusian leader spoke for its supplementation with certain projects, which are able to be common perspective points of economic growth.

After, the floor was given to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev who noted importance of further strengthening of economic and humanitarian relations between the CIS countries in his speech.

The Head of the State spoke for continuation of joint work in this direction, giving of new serious impulse to interstate collaboration taking into account modern realities.

President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov has also spoken for further activation of wide beneficial partnership under the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Having expressed the confidence that new strategy of economic development of the CIS would be the foundation for optimum use of the Commonwealth potential, the Kyrgyz leader has also noted the necessity of bringing of cooperation in transit and transport sphere to new level, realization of capabilities for cooperation in energy sphere and other perspective fields.

At the same time, the importance of intensification of work for enhancement of the role of the CIS in solution of problems related to provision of security, in counteraction of modern challenges and threats has been highlighted.

Continuing the session, the President of the Republic of Moldova Igor Dodon gave a speech. Having expressed gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for cordial welcome and excellent organization of the Summit, high-rank guest highlighted that Turkmenistan has initiated the idea of enhancement of economic partnership of the CIS countries, active participation of the Commonwealth in global economic processes and continental projects.

The floor was given to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. Addressing the participants, the Head of friendly country highlighted that Russian pays great attention to development of beneficial cooperation with the CIS partners.

It is necessary to continue work on elimination of various trade barriers, to intensify production and technological cooperation, the Head of the Russian Federation highlighted, having spoken for support of the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan, which chairs the CIS this year, and noted that the Declaration of Strategic Economic Cooperation would be signed at the session.

Speaking of the subjects related to organization of events on occasion of the 75th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War, the high-rank guest highlighted the importance of coming event.

President of the Republic of Tajikistan made a speech afterwards. The high-rank guest highlighted that Tajikistan is steadfast supporter of further strengthening of fruitful relations between the CIS states, which is one of the priorities of the foreign policy of the country.

The agenda of current Summit covers actual subjects of partnership in different fields, taking relative decisions on which would support improvement of the mechanisms of cooperation under the Commonwealth, President Emomali Rahmon noted.

After, the floor was given to President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Having greeted the participants of the meeting, Uzbek leader noted that he entirely supports high evaluation of the chairing of Turkmenistan in the CIS. Number of important documents including current Declaration of Strategic Economic Cooperation has been developed by the initiative of Turkmenistan for the past period, the high-rank guest said, having highlighted their significance in the strengthening of legal foundation and further dynamic development of interstate partnership.

Giving exclusive importance to the relations under the CIS, Uzbekistan takes the function of chairing for the first time, the high-rank guest highlighted, having noted that Turkmenistan set high standards of forums and meetings of the Commonwealth, which were organized this year.

Having expressed gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for cordial welcome and hospitality in Turkmen land, the Head of Uzbekistan gave high appraisal to the level of organization of the meeting in Ashgabat, which has become an important step toward the development of effective partnership in the CIS format.

After the discussion, having expressed gratitude to all for productive exchange of visions and specific constructive proposals, the President of the country presented the opinion of Turkmenistan about the situation of the Commonwealth taking into account the chairing of our country in the CIS.

Having warmly welcomed high-rank guests in Ashgabat and expressed gratitude for close partnership under the Commonwealth of Independent States, Turkmen leader noted that the participants of the session of the Council of the CIS Heads of the States have gathered to discuss important matters, to exchange the visions of further development of cooperation and to outline perspective directions of cooperation.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that having taken the chairing of the CIS in 2019, Turkmenistan defined comprehensive support of development of the CIS potential, filling of activity of the Commonwealth with new content according to objectives realities as the main objective.

In this regard, the Head of the State made special mention that joint work for provision of peace, security and stability, efficient partnership in counteraction of modern challenges and threats are important directions of cooperation.

It is presented that situation in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is one of the factors, which is necessary to be considered taking into account joint political and diplomatic work, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued. Turkmenistan as a country neighbouring with Afghanistan actively participates in international efforts aimed at improvement of stability in this country, reconstruction of its social and economic infrastructure, provision of humanitarian support to the people of Afghanistan.

Having confirmed the willingness of neutral Turkmenistan to provide its political space for establishment of peaceful negotiations on Afghan problems in cooperation with the UN and other interested international organizations, the Head of the State expressed confidence that this process has to be carried out under leading role of Afghan side itself.

At the same time, the necessity of more active participation of Afghanistan friendly states in realization of economic projects aimed at creation and improvement of energy, transport, communication and industrial foundations of Afghan economy has been highlighted.

In the context of definition of the main vectors of coordinated work of the Commonwealth countries in Afghan direction, the Head of Turkmenistan spoke for the necessity to hold political consultations on the level of foreign ministers of the CIS as soon as possible.

Having outlined economic partnership as important component of the cooperation of the CIS countries, the President highlighted that Turkmenistan stands for giving of new impulses to development of trade and economic relations in the CIS.

In this regard, having informed that the Draft Declaration has been developed and is brought out to the agenda of the current session of the Council of the Heads of the States, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that its adoption requires everybody to approach constructively to development of new approaches to the activation of economic activity in the CIS.

The CIS strategy of economic cooperation has to be adequate to the changes, which happen today in global economy, the Head of Turkmenistan continued. It is necessary to respond on time to these tendencies taking into account their content and direction, to use available competitive advantages for formation and promotion of economic agenda of the CIS in the context of the world economic processes.

Having highlighted such strategic directions as energy, industry, transport and trade, Turkmen leader expressed confidence that the CIS countries are able to realize large-scale and long-term projects in these fields.

Due to its geographic political and economic positions, the Commonwealth of Independet States has to play an initiative role in the continent, to be an active participant of development and expansion of trade and economic partnership between the East and the Wes, Asia and Europe.

In this regard, participation of our countries in realization of different projects with other states, entry to neighbouring regions where we haves something to offer to the partners in economic, innovative and technological aspect is an important objective, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted.

Having also outlined further development of interstate humanitarian cooperation as important objective in activity of the Commonwealth, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that cooperation in this sphere is a factor consolidating friendship nd understanding between the nations of our country.

Addressing the participants of the Summit, the President went back to amendment of the agenda of current session on the Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee, having noted that Turkmenistan supports the proposal of the Russian Federation on extension of the terms of work of Sergey Lebedev on this position for another three-year period.

As is known, the agenda of the session includes the subject of the Application of the Heads of the CIS states to the people of the Commonwealth countries and the world community on occasion of the 75th anniversary of Victory of Soviet People in Great Patriotic War 1941 – 1945, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued, having highlighted that this date is sacred for all of us.

Speaking of this, the Head of Turkmenistan proposed to organize flower laying ceremonies to the Monuments of Victory, celebration fireworks dedicated to anniversary dates in all CIS countries on May 9, 2020. Turkmenistan is willing to render comprehensive support in realization of the main activities for preparation and celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Victory in great Patriotic War.

Turing to the subjects of chairing of the Commonwealth in 2020 and regular session of the Council of the heads of the States, Turkmen leader gave floor to Chairman of the Executive Committee – the CIS Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev who spoke with relative information.

According to the decision made by the participants of the Summit, the chairing of the CIS next year would be given to the Republic of Uzbekistan.

On behalf of the participants, the President of Turkmenistan wished Uzbek partners success in fulfilment of this mission for further improvement of interstate cooperation in the Commonwealth.

According to the decision, next session of the Council of the CIS Heads of the States will be held in Tashkent of October 16, 2020.

Speaking of the subject about the Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee, Turkmen leader noted that we all know Sergey Lebedev, the Head of the Executive Committee, which terms of office expire in December, for many years. He works committedly and with high responsibility, does many things for protection and development of the Commonwealth.

In this regard, the Russian Federation proposed to extend the terms of office for another three-year period, the Head of Turkmenistan said, having stated that the heads of the delegations have also spoke for support of this proposal in their speeches.

Having informed on relative decision, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated Sergey Lebedev and wished him success on this post on behalf of all participants.

Having noted that all subjects of the agenda have been covered, the Head of the State announced closing of the narrow format session.

After, the session of the Council of the CIS Heads of the State was continued in extended format.

Serious and thorough conversation on important aspects of cooperation, definition of priorities and perspectives of the partnership between the states of the Commonwealth has taken place in narrow format, the Head of the State said, having expressed the confidence that all reviewed subjects would be continued in constructive way and would find their effective solution as it is supposed to be between reliable partners.

In this regard, the Head of Turkmen state made special mention that the CIS is an active format of interstate cooperation demonstrating its efficiency and correspondence to fundamental interests of the peoples of the Commonwealth countries.

Today, our goal is to give new impulses to the work of the CIS, to bring it to new level, which meets realities and tendencies of modern development, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

Strengthening of peace and security has always been and remains to be among the priorities of our cooperation in the Commonwealth of Independent States, Turkmen leader continued. At the same time, improvement of cooperation and collaboration channels between the CIS and big international organizations especially with the United Nations Organization is an important objective in the context of provision of strategic and regional stability.

The Head of the State expressed confidence that our countries have common goals in this sphere. We have something to offer to each other and systematic dialog of the CIS with the UN would be useful and able to give significant results, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said. Such specific subjects as counteraction of cyber threats and information security are actual topics under this dialog. In this context, the Head of the State spoke for activation of cooperation with specialized structures of the UN in combating against terrorist threat, organized crime and illegal drug trafficking.

Close partnership of the CIS with the UN is necessary for improvement of common understanding and trust in international relations, assertion of culture of dialog during solution of issues and confrontations.

As is known, the UN General Assembly has unanimously adopted the Resolution on announcement of 2021 as International Year of Peace and Trust, which was initiated by Turkmenistan and co-authored by 73 country members. Having addressed gratitude to all CIS countries for support of this initiative, the President of Turkmenistan called the Commonwealth countries to work together on fulfilment of objectives set forth in this document.

Speaking of giving of new impulses to the activity of the CIS, first, we understand economic component, the Head of Turkmenistan noted. New modern frameworks and models of partnership both inside the CIS and in relations between the CIS and other countries and international economic entities is required today.

They have to meet changing realities of global economy, formation of new economic centres, comprehensive implementation of innovations, digital technologies. All of these requires certain re-thinking of the character of our cooperation, entry to new perspective directions in addition to traditional ones, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.

It has to be done fast and effectively in the conditions of global competition, the Head of the Sate continued. Following this, the Draft Declaration on Strategic Economic Cooperation of the CIS members has been developed by the initiative of Turkmenistan.

The document is aimed at the formation of coordinated approach to implementation of economic interests of the Commonwealth in general and each member states. It proposes the establishment of effective mechanisms of partnership allowing improvement of economic relations both under the CIS and with other integrational associations and separate countries.

The project was approved in general at the CIS Economic Council in Ashgabat on September 13 and included to the agenda of current Summit, the President of Turkmenistan said, having proposed to adopt the above-mentioned Declaration.

In this context, the Head of Turkmenistan made special mention that session of the CIS statutory bodies, in particular the Council of the Heads of the Governments and Economic council, demonstrate good capabilities for expansion of economic partnership. At the same time, energy, industry, transport, trade, technological sphere and other directions have to be outlined as perspective spheres of cooperation.

We stand for active cooperation between business communities with entry to specific joint projects, for wide organization of exhibitions and fairs under the CIS. In this case, we support work of relative profile Councils and Committees of the CIS, Turkmen leader highlighted.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov focused the attention of the participants of the forum that Turkmenistan considers energy spheres as one of important direction of the partnership. International communication on this subject under the UN and other platforms gains detailed character. The Commonwealth countries take an active part in this process.

We highly appreciate the support rendered by the CIS countries during adoption of the Resolutions by the UN General Assembly, which were initiated by Turkmen side and dedicated to transit of energy carriers to international markets, the Head of the State highlighted, having expressed hope for continuation of cooperation in this direction.

For this purpose, our country would propose Draft Resolution on role of reliable and stable transit of energy carriers for provision of sustainable development and international cooperation for review at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly.

The President noted that partnership in transport industry, which has special requirements these days on the background of increment of volumes of cargo and passenger traffic, seems to be a priority for the CIS.

At the same time, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that humanitarian sphere has to be under close attention. Cooperation in culture, science, education, sports, children and youth organizations is an investment to the future, a guarantee that friendship, understanding and trust between our countries and nations would be steadily improved.

Taking into account the uniqueness of the CIS from the development of tourist projects point of view and taking into account huge potential capabilities of the CIS countries in tourism sphere, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted appropriateness to propose to the CIS Executive Committee to review the opportunity to include the subject of development of new Concept of cooperation in this field to the agenda of one of the next sessions of the Council of the Heads of the Governments.

The President highlighted that Turkmenistan considers current session as an important stage in the activity of the Commonwealth of Independent States from assessment point of view and understanding of the way we have gone and definition of future perspectives.

Following goals and fundamental principles put in the foundation of modern international partnership is a significant factor of the CIS activity. For all these years, the Commonwealth protected its direction as a format of cooperation based on goodwill of the partiipants, equal rights, understanding and respect.

The Head of the State expressed confidence that following these principles provides the Commonwealth of Independent States with flexibility and resilience, opens new edges and perspectives of partnership, provides the existence of the CIS as integrated element of a system of international stability and security. It is also pleasant that the Commonwealth expands its relations with foreign world developing cooperation with international organizations and many countries.

The President of Turkmenistan continued that our country together with the world community would celebrate the 25th anniversary of recognition of the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan by the United Nations Organization next year.

For all these years, our states demonstrated high efficiency of practical application of principles of neutrality during solution of different international problems with its active position, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted.

The Head of the State informed that number of big international events dedicated to this anniversary date would be held in Ashgabat on December 12, 2020. It will include International Conference on Peace, Security and Sustainable Development. Taking opportunity, Turkmen leader invited all heads of the states and leaders of delegations of the Commonwealth countries to take part in coming events.

In the end, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude to the CIS Executive Committee, its leader Sergey Lebedev for effective work for coordination of interstate cooperation and, in particular, for big contribution in preparation of current session.

Addressing the participants of the Summit, the Head of Turkmenistan noted that the session of the Council of the Heads of the State in narrow format took place, during which the decision on chairing of the Commonwealth of Independent States by the Republic of Uzbekistan from January 1, 2020 has been made. In this regard, Turkmen leader gave floor to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev who presented the concept of chairing of Uzbekistan in the CIS in his speech.

On behalf of the Council of the Heads of the States, the President of Turkmenistan wished successful chairing to the Republic of Uzbekistan.

After, the floor was given to Chairman of the Executive Committee – the CIS Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev who presented information on decisions made at the narrow-format session.

Continuing the Summit, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov brought out the subject of declaration on Strategic Economic Cooperation of the CIS countries for review. This document, which was initiated by Turkmenistan, is aimed at improvement and consolidation of wide economic cooperation between the Commonwealth countries.

Speaking on this subject, the President noted again that Turkmenistan has initiated the development of multilateral document, which defines the main goals, objectives and priority directions of economic cooperation between the states of the Commonwealth, at the Summit of the CIS heads of the States in Sochi in October 2017. Proposal of this initiative was provided by the fact that new innovative approach to development of economic relations taking into account the realities in global economy is required in modern conditions.

In this context, the Head of the State highlighted that efficient use of entire complex of capabilities including beneficial economic partnership and cooperation within the CIS open big perspectives of dynamic economic growth for the countries of the Commonwealth.

The President noted that practical implementation of this Declaration will allow using social and economic potential of each country and the Commonwealth in general, expanding their equality, beneficial and integrated development.

During the year, heads of economic structures, experts and specialists of the Commonwealth countries have carried out big work for development of draft of the above-mentioned document. In this regard, taking opportunity, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed deep gratitude to all. The Head of Turkmenistan noted that the draft Declaration was approved at regular session of the CIS Economic Council, which was held in Ashgabat on September 2019 and was included to the agenda of current Summit.

Therefore, decision on adoption of the Declaration on Strategic Economic Cooperation of the CIS countries was taken.

Continuing the extended format session, Turkmen leader noted that effective activity of the Commonwealth of Independence States mainly depends on coordinated work of its Executive Committee. For many years, this structure is chaired by Sergey Lebedev. His high professional skills, organization talent and big experience support successful realization of goals and objectives of the Commonwealth.

The Head of Turkmenistan has made special mention that while being full representative of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Sergey Lebedev take part in work of Supreme bodies of the UN, OSCE, SCO and other competent structures and makes his contribution to development of international relations.

Having informed that taking into account what was said above, the Chairman of the Executive Committee – the CIS Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev is awarded with the State Award of Turkmenistan – the Bitaraplyk Order by the Order of the President of Turkmenistan for active international activity and big personal contribution to strengthening of peace and cooperation between the countries, the Head of the State handed over the award to him.

Having expressed deep gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for honour, Sergey Lebedev highlighted that the CIS Executive Committee would continue working actively for achievement of set objectives on development of fruitful interstate cooperation in the CIS.

Taking opportunity, the Chairman of the Executive Committee – the CIS Executive Secretary expressed gratitude to the heads of the states and delegations for high trust and confirmation of his authorities for coming three years.

Noting contribution of Turkmen leader to preparation and conduct of number of events in this sphere under the Commonwealth, Sergey Lebedev informed that the Council for Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS and Board of Interstate Fund of Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS member states made decision to award President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the medal “For Merits in the Development of Humanitarian Cooperation".

In the solemn atmosphere under applauses of the participants of the summit, Board Chairman of the IFHC, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Russian Federation Polad Bulbul ogly handed over honorary award to the President of Turkmenistan.

Expressing sincere gratitude to the Board of the Fund for the decision to award this high award, the President of Turkmenistan noted that he regarded this event, first of all, as a sign of respect for Turkmenistan and its people, recognition of the merits of our country in strengthening the interaction of CIS countries in the cultural and humanitarian sphere.

The ceremony of signing of final documents aimed at strengthening and steadfast development of constructive cooperation in different spheres in the CIS format took place thereafter.

The leaders of the CIS countries adopted the Declaration on Strategic Economic Cooperation of the Commonwealth of Independent States Member States.

Address of the Heads of the Commonwealth of Independent States members to the peoples of the Commonwealth and the world community on occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet People in 1941 – 1945 great Patriotic War as well as number of other documents have been adopted by the outcomes of the session.

After signing ceremony, addressing the participants of the session and speaking of the main criteria of the chairing of our country in the CIS this year, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that Turkmenistan steadily sought for comprehensive realization of all declared goals in fulfilment of this mission.

Taking opportunity, the President expressed gratitude to his colleagues – heads of the states of the Commonwealth who supported the above-mentioned Declaration brought out by Turkmenistan.

The Head of Turkmenistan has also highlighted that the Address of the Heads of the Commonwealth of Independent States members to the peoples of the Commonwealth and the world community on occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet People in 1941 – 1945 great Patriotic War has been adopted among other documents. In modern realities, this document has special importance.

Finishing the session, the Head of the state expressed gratitude to all bodies of the CIS, experts, officials and personnel who took part in development of documents, preparation and conduct of current events and supported to successful chairing of our country.

Having expressed gratitude for joint fruitful work, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov announced closing of the session of the Council of the Heads of the States of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Results of the Ashgabat summit was presented at the press conference with participation of Chairman of the Executive Committee – the CIS Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Foreign Minister R. Meredov.

The President of Turkmenistan gave official reception in honour to the heads of the delegations of the CIS countries on the same day.

Upon completion of the Summit, high-rank guests left Ashgabat on the same day.