The first CIS Council of Permanent Representatives Held in Minsk under Turkmenistan's Chairmanship
Minsk, January 29 | ORIENT. The first Council of Permanent Representatives in 2026 was held at the CIS Executive Committee in Minsk. This event marked the effective beginning of the active phase of Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the Commonwealth.
A "New Impulse" Strategy. The meeting was chaired by Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Belarus, Nazarguly Shagulyev. The head of the diplomatic mission presented the concept of our country's chairmanship to his colleagues and CIS Secretary General, Sergey Lebedev.
The main areas on which Ashgabat will focus the Commonwealth's attention this year are:
Economic pragmatism: stimulating trade and launching new investment projects.
Transport framework: developing logistics corridors and energy security.
Humanitarian dialogue: strengthening cultural ties between peoples.
Ashgabat's Atmosphere in Minsk. The official agenda was complemented by a vibrant cultural presentation. A photo exhibition dedicated to the 2026 motto, "Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses," opened at the CIS headquarters.
Meeting participants—diplomats and heads of departments of the Executive Committee—discovered the country's rich heritage and modern achievements. Of particular interest was the exhibition of books by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader of the Turkmen People Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, revealing the philosophy of Turkmen neutrality as a path to peace and trust.
A video presentation shown during the meeting allowed guests to literally "see" Turkmenistan's priorities: from large-scale construction projects to the preservation of ancient traditions, which will form the basis for cultural dialogue within the CIS throughout 2026.
