Turkmenistan presented its concept for its chairmanship of the CIS in 2026. The presentation took place on 29 January in Minsk at a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the CIS, according to IIC.

The priorities were announced by Nazarguly Shagulyev, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Belarus. According to him, the programme is based on the principles of Peace and Trust.

Ashgabat proposed to declare 2027 the Year of Transport Connectivity in the CIS. The initiative is aimed at developing logistics, infrastructure and international transport corridors.

There are also plans to strengthen digital interaction and innovative cooperation as factors in the region's competitiveness.

In the political sphere, Turkmenistan advocates coordinating actions to protect international law. CIS countries have been asked to develop a coordinated position within the UN. Ashgabat also hopes to gain support for its initiative to declare 2028 the International Year of Law.

The humanitarian part of the concept covers youth exchanges, sports, the promotion of multilingualism and environmental projects. Separate emphasis is placed on the ‘green economy’ and scientific and technical cooperation.

The meeting participants also discussed preparations for the CIS Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers, which will be held in Kaliningrad in April, and reviewed a report on the development of Commonwealth statistics.