The Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) convened in Moscow on October 8 for their annual meeting.
Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over the summit, as Russia holds the CIS chairmanship for 2024. Among the attendees were leaders from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the CIS Secretary General.
The CIS, established after the Soviet Union’s dissolution, comprises former Soviet republics such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with Turkmenistan as an associate member.
Moldova, however, is in the process of leaving the CIS. President Maia Sandu’s administration signaled its intention to exit the organization following the country’s move to apply for EU membership in 2022.
Armenia’s relationship with the CIS appears strained as well, with Armenian officials opting not to sign certain statements during the meeting in Moscow.
Statements on security cooperation and international relations were issued, but Armenia refrained from endorsing them fully.
Despite this tension, there is no official report of discord from the heads of state meeting.
During the summit, Putin emphasized the importance of CIS cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, counterterrorism, and technological advancements.
He highlighted the shared history of CIS nations and the benefits of maintaining economic, social, and cultural ties. Trade between Russia and other CIS states was also acknowledged, albeit without reference to geopolitical factors affecting this relationship.
Central Asian leaders focused on economic cooperation and projected unity within the CIS, setting the stage for Tajikistan’s chairmanship in 2025.
The upcoming year, which marks the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, will be dedicated to celebrating the victory over fascism and preventing its resurgence.
Notably, last year’s heads of state meeting hosted by Kyrgyzstan saw Putin’s international travel amid ICC war crimes allegations related to the Ukrainian conflict.
The irony of these circumstances, however, remains unclear.