A meeting was held in Minsk between Nazarguly Shagulyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, and Alexander Lukashevich, the new Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the CIS statutory bodies. This was reported by the Orient news agency.

The parties focused on the priorities of Ashgabat's chairmanship of the CIS and preparations for the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence.

During the conversation, the symbolism of the 2026 motto and its connection with the country's foreign policy course — neutrality, commitment to traditions and openness to dialogue — was discussed.

The diplomats discussed the development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Russia within the CIS and issues of regional stability. Alexander Lukashevich congratulated the Turkmen side on the upcoming anniversary of independence and confirmed Russia's readiness to support Ashgabat's initiatives within the Commonwealth.