A meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), marking the organisation’s 35th anniversary, has begun at the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone. Opening the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, congratulated the participants on the Independence Day of the Republic of Tajikistan and conveyed his best wishes to the leadership and peoples of the CIS countries, according to IIC of Turkmenistan.

The Head of State highlighted the role of the Commonwealth as a platform for political dialogue, as well as trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation. The President of Turkmenistan emphasised that cooperation between the countries is based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and consideration of common interests.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov also highlighted the positive trend in total trade turnover and the expansion of trade and economic ties. Among the priority areas for cooperation, he highlighted inter-parliamentary contacts, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, science, education, sport and tourism.

According to the President of Turkmenistan, multilateral dialogue within the CIS helps to build trust between nations and enhance the Commonwealth’s international standing.