Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in the
meeting of the CIS Heads of State Council in Moscow. President Tokayev
emphasized that for Kazakhstan, further strengthening the Commonwealth’s
potential as a reputable international organization is an absolute priority. He
noted that this meeting is intended to give new impetus to the CIS’s work in
the context of geopolitical instability and a rapidly changing international
environment.
«Kazakhstan welcomes the mutual steps taken by Azerbaijan
and Armenia towards concluding a peace treaty. We are also pleased to note the
significant progress made in completing the legal registration of certain
sections of interstate borders in the Central Asian region,» Tokayev said.
The Head of State proposed considering the establishment of
the CIS+ format. This platform could serve as a basis for expanding regional
ties of the Commonwealth. Additionally, member states need to strengthen
existing relations in the trade and economic sphere. Notably, CIS markets
currently account for more than a quarter of Kazakhstan’s foreign trade
turnover.
«I propose launching an interstate program called the «Commonwealth
Fair,» which will host annual trade events in various cities of the CIS
countries, with the involvement of craftspeople and agricultural producers from
across the Eurasian region. The first exhibition is planned for one of
Kazakhstan's most ancient cities, Taraz, once a vital hub of the Great Silk
Road, historically known as «the city of merchants,» Tokayev added.
In turn, effective trade and economic cooperation is closely
linked to the development of transport corridors. The Head of State emphasized
that Kazakhstan has started a large-scale expansion of its railway
infrastructure along major international routes.
«Last year, I proposed to develop a Concept for interfacing
the main transport arteries running through the territories of CIS member
states. I think this work could be completed as soon as possible. In general,
high-quality synchronization of global projects such as One Belt - One Road,
North-South, the Trans-Caspian route, and others will enable us to build a
unified concept of economic, institutional and transport development on the
Eurasian continent,» Tokayev noted.
The Head of State proposed enhancing cooperation
in student exchanges and scientific internships. This can be facilitated by a
new program «Academic Capital of the Commonwealth.» Notably, the meeting also
discussed the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II
next year. The CIS summit resulted in the adoption of several documents.
Tajikistan will chair the organization in 2025, and the next summit will be held
in Dushanbe.
