From 1 January 2026, the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) passed from Tajikistan to Turkmenistan. Throughout the year, Ashgabat will coordinate work within the Commonwealth and define the main priority areas of cooperation among member states. This was reported by podrobno.uz.reports.
Earlier, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said that during the chairmanship he intends to contribute to fully realizing the CIS’s potential and to give additional momentum to multilateral cooperation.
It is expected that in 2026 Turkmenistan will pay special attention to developing political dialogue, expanding economic ties, strengthening humanitarian cooperation, as well as issues of regional stability and security.
Among the priority tasks are supporting agreed initiatives within the CIS, including counterterrorism programs, strengthening border security, and cooperation to improve the resilience of energy supplies.
One of the key events of the year is the planned CIS heads of state summit. It is expected to be held in the National Tourist Zone — Avaza.
Turkmenistan will also continue efforts to expand ties with partners outside the Commonwealth within the “CIS Plus” platform.
The chairmanship will create additional opportunities for Ashgabat to strengthen its diplomatic positions in the regional arena. Neutral status may further highlight Turkmenistan’s role as a mediator and stabilizing factor in the post-Soviet space.
Overall, Turkmenistan’s 2026 CIS chairmanship means, on the one hand, responsibility for the Commonwealth’s development and, on the other, an opportunity to increase its influence in shaping the regional agenda.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
Users of Меҳмон are not allowed to comment this publication.
