Putin meets with leaders of CIS countries, except Ukraine and Moldova

In a major geopolitical event, Russian President Vladimir Putin convened an informal summit of leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS, or CIS) in Saint Petersburg.

The meeting, traditionally chaired by the Russian President ahead of the New Year, saw leaders from several CIS member states, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, come together to discuss a range of issues of mutual concern.

Ukraine and Moldova are also part of the CIS, but have long been nominal members and do not participate in the association’s work, according to Putin. The Russian leader describes such summits as “friendly circle” dialogues where business agendas, both regional and international, are discussed.

World - Mr. Putin meets with leaders of CIS countries, except Ukraine and Moldova — Russian President Vladimir Putin and CIS leaders visit the Tsarskoye Selo Museum and Reserve in Pushkin, outside St. Petersburg, December 26, 2023. Photo: Sputnik

The Summit began with a unique experience when Russian President Putin invited the CIS leaders to tour the grand palace complex in St. Petersburg. They visited the Pavlovsk Museum and Reserve, Tsarskoye Selo, Peterhof and ended with talks at the Konstantinovsky Palace in Strelna.

CIS leaders engaged in dialogue aimed at strengthening ties, addressing regional challenges and finding common ground on a wide range of topics. The meeting concluded with a live broadcast, allowing the public to follow the proceedings and understand the role of the CIS in regional politics.

“Moving from one hall to another, all of you, as well as I, had a thorough discussion on current issues in bilateral and multilateral formats. We also exchanged opinions on international issues,” Putin said at the opening of the conference.

“We talked all day long, the negotiations were quite productive,” the Russian leader added. He also noted that the coming year would be “particularly positive and fruitful for the CIS.”

World - Mr. Putin met with leaders of CIS countries, except Ukraine and Moldova (Photo 2). — Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs an informal summit of CIS leaders in St Petersburg, December 26, 2023. Photo: BNN Bkreaing

During the talks, Mr. Putin thanked Belarus for successfully hosting the 2nd CIS Sports Games and announced that the future innovative games will take place in the Russian city of Kazan in February 2024. The announcement stressed the importance of sport in promoting friendship and solidarity between the CIS countries.

In 2024, Russia will take over the rotating presidency of the CIS – transferred from Kyrgyzstan. As Putin said earlier, Moscow’s presidency will be rich, including about 150 events, with the highlight being the Summit scheduled to be held in Moscow on October 8, 2024.

The Russian leader also stressed that in this capacity, Russia is determined to cooperate with all CIS partners, both bilaterally and within the framework of its presidency. “We are ready for a busy schedule,” he said .

Minh Duc (According to TASS, BNN Breaking)

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