rki.news | Source: Anadolu Agency
ASHGABAT: Russian President Vladimir Putin said trade between Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) members exceeded $110 billion in 2025 and increased 12% in the first half of 2026.
Speaking at a CIS leaders’ meeting in Turkmenistan on Friday, Putin called for removing trade barriers to strengthen economic cooperation among member states.
He said cooperation also covered science, education, culture, tourism, health care, environmental protection, sports and youth policy.
Putin stressed the importance of preserving shared history and preventing its falsification. He said younger generations should understand the achievements of Soviet-era peoples and their contributions during World War II.
He welcomed proposals to designate 2028 as the Year of Social Development and 2029 as the Year of Transport within the CIS, saying joint initiatives could demonstrate the benefits of cooperation.
Putin thanked Turkmenistan for leading the bloc this year and said Uzbekistan would assume the rotating chairmanship on January 1. He pledged Russia’s support to Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Putin also invited CIS leaders to an informal meeting in St. Petersburg on December 21 to discuss current and future issues.
The summit brought together leaders from CIS member states, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also participated in the expanded meeting.
The Kremlin said several agreements were signed following the talks.
Putin Says Russia-CIS Trade Exceeded $110 Billion in 2025
