Kazakh President participates in CIS Heads of State Council meeting in Moscow

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.