Moscow, Dec 22 – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships among member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), stressing that such cooperation aligns with the fundamental interests of the people within the organisation. Speaking at an informal CIS summit, Putin highlighted the shared vision and collaborative efforts of the member states in addressing socioeconomic and security challenges.
“I am convinced that expanding partnerships within the CIS in a wide range of areas meets the fundamental interests of the peoples of our countries,” Putin was quoted as saying by Russia’s Tass news agency. He underscored that the member states will continue working together to strengthen stability, promote socioeconomic development, and enhance collective security.
Putin also noted that CIS countries maintain similar perspectives on global governance and support the establishment of a fair world order with the United Nations at its center. “It is of fundamental importance that the countries of the Commonwealth maintain similar or identical approaches to the key challenges of our time, both global and regional,” he said. He added that all CIS states are united in their backing of an international system grounded in universally recognized principles of international law.
The Russian President extended New Year greetings to the leaders and citizens of the CIS, wishing them health, peace, prosperity, and well-being.
The Commonwealth of Independent States was formed in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with the aim of ensuring continued cooperation in trade, military policy, and mutual recognition of borders among former Soviet republics, excluding the Baltic states. While the CIS has no formal political institution, it serves as a platform for dialogue and coordination among its members.
Currently, the grouping comprises Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. Putin’s remarks at the summit reflect Moscow’s ongoing emphasis on strengthening regional alliances, promoting joint development initiatives, and maintaining coordinated approaches to shared political and economic challenges within the CIS framework.
