Welcoming the meeting participants, Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to the Tajik side and personally to President Emomali Rahmon for the impeccable organization of the summit and traditionally warm hospitalityю
"Tajikistan's successful chairmanship has made a significant contribution to strengthening the Organization's potential. This summit will provide a strong impetus to the future work of the CIS, which we in Kazakhstan regard as a reputable international organization," he noted.
The President recalled that the current year marks the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory in World War II.
In Kazakhstan, we revere the unparalleled heroism of our fathers and mothers, the generation of victors who, under the most difficult circumstances, defended universal human values for the development of all nations. The CIS countries, including Kazakhstan, celebrated this remarkable anniversary with dignity, culminating in grandiose and meaningful parades in Moscow and Beijing. It is our moral duty to cherish the memory of the heroes and all the real participants in this bloodiest war in human history. Unfortunately, 80 years after the Great Victory over fascism, the world once again faces the threat of a global conflict with dire consequences for human civilization. Kazakhstan opposes attempts to falsify the history of World War II and to diminish the historical significance of the Great Victory over fascism. We view with alarm the erosion of the foundations of international law, the catastrophic decline in trust between states, the intensification of confrontational rhetoric, the onset of a crisis in multilateral diplomacy, and the noticeable weakening of the peacekeeping potential of the United Nations. In these conditions of geopolitical upheaval, it is critically important to unite the efforts of the CIS countries and all our supporters to eliminate conflict-generating factors. This can be done
Tokayev believes that the CIS has proven its relevance as an effective international mechanism for strengthening trust between our states.
In anticipation of the Commonwealth's 35th anniversary, the Head of State made a number of proposals aimed at developing strategic partnerships between countries and increasing the Organization's effectiveness.
According to the President of Kazakhstan, the intensification and expansion of trade and economic ties must remain an absolute priority.
Last year, total trade turnover among CIS countries increased by 8%, reaching $110 billion. At the same time, Kazakhstan's trade with CIS countries has grown by 50% over the past five years, reaching $38 billion. These figures clearly demonstrate that the Commonwealth's trade and economic potential, while significant, is not yet fully exploited. We have a solid institutional and legal framework for further expanding trade and economic cooperation. We believe it is essential to prioritize ensuring direct, unimpeded access to services markets on a reciprocal basis, launching joint ventures, and expanding cooperation in key sectors. Priorities should include issues such as attracting investment, effectively utilizing transit and transport potential, implementing digital solutions, and developing horizontal regional connections. In order to identify additional sources of economic growth for CIS member countries, we propose conducting a kind of "brainstorming session" on the sidelines of an international forum to be held in Astana next April under the auspices of the UN, dedicated to studying the nature and root causes of modern security and development challenges, he stated.
According to him, leading experts and analysts from CIS countries could contribute to solving the most challenging problems of our time. In 2026, Kazakhstan will chair the Eurasian Economic Union. A number of important events are planned as part of its chairmanship, including the Eurasian Economic Forum.
"I take this opportunity to invite my esteemed colleagues, as well as representatives of governments and businesses from CIS countries, to actively participate in its work. Given that this forum addresses issues common to all our countries, I propose considering the possibility of making it a joint event of the EAEU and the CIS," the President said.
Tokayev voiced a number of proposals for the effectiveness of the CIS
According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the intensification and expansion of trade and economic ties must remain an absolute priority.
"Last year, the total trade turnover between CIS countries increased by 8%, reaching $110 billion. At the same time, Kazakhstan's trade with CIS countries has grown by 50% over the past five years, reaching $38 billion. These figures clearly demonstrate that the Commonwealth's trade and economic potential, while significant, is not yet fully exploited. We have a solid institutional and legal framework for further expanding trade and economic cooperation. We believe it is essential to prioritize ensuring direct, unimpeded access to services markets on a reciprocal basis, launching joint ventures, and expanding cooperation in key sectors. Priorities should include issues such as attracting investment, effectively utilizing transit and transport potential, implementing digital solutions, and developing horizontal regional connections," he stated.
To identify additional sources of economic growth for CIS member countries, he proposes holding a "brainstorming session" on the sidelines of an international forum to be held in Astana next April under the auspices of the UN, dedicated to studying the nature and root causes of modern security and development challenges. According to the President, leading experts and analysts from CIS countries could contribute to addressing the most challenging issues of our time. In 2026, Kazakhstan will chair the Eurasian Economic Union. A number of important events are planned as part of its chairmanship, including the Eurasian Economic Forum. Taking this opportunity, the Head of State invited his colleagues, as well as government and business representatives from CIS countries, to actively participate in its work.
"Considering that this platform addresses issues common to all our countries, I propose considering the possibility of granting it the status of a joint event between the EAEU and the CIS," Tokayev said.
The President further noted the importance of strengthening the CIS's reputation and authority on the global stage. He emphasized that Kazakhstan is a consistent supporter of intensifying the Commonwealth's international contacts.
"As you recall, at the suggestion of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the CIS Observer and Partner statuses were established in 2023. I am pleased to note that this initiative is yielding initial positive results. Today, we will decide to grant Observer status to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This event will open a new chapter in the history of interaction between Eurasian regional structures. Furthermore, we are establishing the "CIS Plus" format of interaction, which was proposed by Kazakhstan during the Moscow summit. I am confident that this step will also strengthen the CIS's role on the international stage," the President said.
In conclusion of his speech, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed the Council's decision on Turkmenistan's chairmanship of the CIS in 2026.
"I congratulate the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Gurbangulyevich Berdimuhamedov, on this important and honorable mission. We share a common goal: to transform the Commonwealth into a space of creation and progress, new ideas and opportunities. I am confident that through our joint efforts, we can strengthen the CIS as a dynamic, effective, and forward-looking international organization," the Head of State concluded.
By the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
