Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev on Oct. 8 in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, Turkmen state media reported.
Sergey Lebedev noted Turkmenistan’s contribution to the development of cooperation and multilateral dialogue within the CIS and conveyed greetings to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen People.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished success for the upcoming meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State and expressed confidence that its outcomes would contribute to the further development of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation among CIS countries.
During the meeting, particular attention was paid to cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The Turkmen President noted the importance of strengthening direct contacts among cultural, artistic and scientific figures, as well as holding joint festivals, cultural days and film events.
As part of Turkmenistan’s 2026 chairmanship of the CIS, the country has hosted a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government, the 84th meeting of the Council for Rail Transport of CIS Member States, and meetings of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers and the Council for Cultural Cooperation of CIS Member States.
Events aimed at strengthening humanitarian ties among CIS countries are being held in Avaza. They include a meeting of heads of state and public television and radio organizations of the CIS, a national food festival and an exhibition featuring CIS member states. On Oct. 8, an award ceremony was held for the winners of the interstate television film competition “Flight of the Steed: Strength and Grace.”
Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked the CIS Executive Committee, particularly Sergey Lebedev, for their joint work and coordination of efforts to organize the upcoming CIS summit.
At the end of the meeting, the sides expressed confidence in the further development of multilateral cooperation within the CIS.
