The countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) unanimously support establishing a just, multipolar world order based on the principles of international law and the central role of the UN, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting of CIS leaders.
He noted that the organization could achieve far greater success by removing trade barriers.
TASS has compiled the Russian leader’s key statements.
Economic cooperation
Trade between Russia and the CIS member states exceeded 110 billion dollars last year and continued to grow this year: "We’re working on it. Notably, by the end of 2025, trade between Russia and the CIS member states had exceeded 110 billion dollars. In the first half of this year alone, it grew by another 19%."
The CIS can achieve far greater success by removing trade barriers: "Is it possible to move even faster? Probably so. What needs to be done to achieve this? We need to remove barriers."
The countries’ leaders are addressing practical issues, but it is well known that restrictions are "sometimes imposed at the national level": "We ourselves are consciously holding back the pace [of development that could be achieved]."
One of the priority areas of CIS cooperation has been and remains the economy: "The CIS countries maintain close cooperation in trade, investment, and high technology. Of course, as I’ve just mentioned, we would like to move even faster and work even more effectively in this area. That is certainly true. Nevertheless, the work is progressing."
The share of national currencies in mutual settlements between CIS member states has exceeded 90%: "A stable financial infrastructure, independent of external influence, allows us to effectively address many of today’s challenges. Virtually all mutual settlements are conducted in national currencies. Their share in commercial transactions between our states has exceeded 90%. This allows us to deepen economic cooperation, regardless of any external influences or market conditions."
Multipolarity
The CIS countries "unanimously advocate for the formation of a just, multipolar world order based on universally recognized principles of international law and the central role of the UN."
Cultural and humanitarian ties
The leaders of the CIS countries will adopt a resolution emphasizing the importance of preserving their shared history; young people must know the truth about the achievements of all the peoples of the CIS member states during the Soviet era: "I have spoken about how important the CIS countries’ joint efforts are in protecting our shared history and preventing its falsification. Without a doubt, young people must know the truth about the achievements of our peoples during the Soviet era and the heroic deeds of our fathers and grandfathers during the Great Patriotic War."
The CIS framework has enabled the member states to preserve the economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian ties built up over centuries: "Over the past three and a half decades, the CIS has truly come a long way and established itself as an authoritative regional integration organization. It is precisely thanks to this organization - and I agree with some of my colleagues who have already mentioned this today - that we have managed to preserve, and in many areas even strengthen, the economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian ties built up by our peoples over centuries of living in a single state."
Russia supports Tajikistan’s and Turkmenistan’s initiative to declare 2028 the Year of Social Development in the CIS: "The CIS has a well-established tradition of organizing thematic years, during which large-scale joint projects and events are carried out in various spheres of humanitarian and public life. We welcome the initiatives of our friends in Tajikistan and Turkmenistan to declare 2028 the Year of Social Development in the CIS and 2029 the Year of Transportation."
These thematic years, involving federal and regional authorities, the business community, the public, and the media, will help demonstrate to citizens of the member states the benefits of CIS cooperation in specific areas.
Promoting CIS on international stage
Promoting a positive image of the CIS in the media and on the international stage "is an extremely pressing task": "We expect the relevant resolution to be adopted at this meeting to help intensify efforts in this area."
Combating economic crimes
The CIS countries are effectively coordinating their efforts to combat economic crimes and are also implementing joint programs to combat the criminal use of digital technologies: "Our countries have established effective coordination in combating financial and economic offenses, money laundering, and corruption. Joint programs are being implemented to combat the criminal use of digital technologies, organized crime, drug trafficking, terrorism, and extremism."
"Close operational contacts are being maintained between law enforcement agencies and special services": "A number of new, useful decisions on criminal justice, the prevention of cybercrime, and border security have been submitted for approval at this summit and are supported by Russia.".
