Dushanbe, October 10, 2025 — The capital of Tajikistan hosted the annual Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit, gathering heads of state to discuss regional cooperation, security, and economic integration. The meeting, chaired by President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, brought together President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia, alongside other leaders and the CIS Secretary-General.
Strengthening Regional Security
Security issues dominated the agenda. Leaders exchanged views on the fight against terrorism, extremism, and organized crime, as well as illegal migration and cyber threats. Special attention was given to the situation in Afghanistan and its potential impact on stability across Central Asia. President Rahmon emphasized that coordinated action in intelligence exchange, border control, and counter-terrorism is essential for maintaining peace in the region, describing security cooperation as the “cornerstone of mutual trust among CIS nations.
Economic and Logistical Cooperation
Economic connectivity was another major focus. The participants discussed expanding trade and transport corridors that link Central Asia with the South Caucasus and Eastern Europe. President Tokayev highlighted the importance of improving transit infrastructure to unlock the region’s full trade potential, while President Mirziyoyev underscored the need for digital transformation and innovation-driven growth.
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The leaders agreed that coordinated investment in logistics, energy, and technology would enhance the resilience and competitiveness of the CIS economies.
Energy and Resource Development
Energy security was recognized as a shared strategic priority. The summit adopted a Joint Declaration on Regional Energy Security, emphasizing cooperation on sustainable energy production, renewable resources, and regional electricity connectivity.
President Berdimuhamedov stressed that expanding partnerships in the energy sector could “strengthen both economic independence and mutual reliability among CIS partners.”
Cultural and Humanitarian Ties
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cultural and humanitarian cooperation — including education, youth exchanges, scientific collaboration, and cultural heritage preservation. President Aliyev noted that strengthening people-to-people ties would help preserve the shared cultural identity and historical memory of the CIS nations.
The New “CIS Plus” Format
One of the most significant initiatives announced in Dushanbe was the creation of a “CIS Plus” mechanism — an open platform designed to foster cooperation with external partners and international organizations.
According to President Rahmon, this step will make the CIS “more dynamic, outward-looking, and capable of responding to global challenges,” while ensuring that the region remains an active participant in global diplomacy.
Agreements and Key Outcomes
At the conclusion of the summit, the leaders signed 19 documents, including:
- A 2025–2027 CIS Action Plan;
- A 2026–2028 Program on Combating Terrorism and Extremism;
- The Joint Declaration on Energy Security;
- An agreement on cooperation against transnational crime.
It was also announced that Turkmenistan will assume the CIS chairmanship starting January 1, 2026. The next summit of heads of state will take place on October 9, 2026, in Turkmenistan.
Commitment to Multilateralism
In the final summary, the participants reaffirmed their shared vision of a multipolar and cooperative world order, grounded in respect for international law, cultural diversity, and the principles of the UN Charter.
“The CIS remains a platform for dialogue, equality, and shared responsibility,” President Rahmon said in his closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and partnership in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Why This Summit Matters
The Dushanbe summit demonstrated the continued relevance of the CIS as a platform for:
- Addressing regional and global security challenges through cooperation;
- Strengthening economic and logistical connectivity across Eurasia;
- Encouraging cross-cultural dialogue and diplomatic engagement through the new “CIS Plus” format.
For Central Asia, the outcomes underscore its growing importance as a bridge between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia — a region where strategic partnerships and cultural exchange increasingly shape the future of Eurasian cooperation.
