Kazakh FM Stresses CIS Unity for Sustainable Development at Moscow Meeting

Kazakhstan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yermek Kosherbayev, participated in a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Moscow on April 17, 2026.

In his address, the minister marked the 35th anniversary of the CIS's founding and the signing of the Almaty Declaration. "Today we can confidently state that thanks to the adoption of the Almaty Agreement, a fundamentally new paradigm of peace, cooperation, and good neighborliness was formed in our region," Kosherbayev stated.

He emphasized that despite a complex geopolitical situation globally, an atmosphere of stability and cooperation is maintained within the CIS space. The consistent expansion of trade, development of cooperation, and transport interconnectedness help mitigate external shocks and create new sources of growth.

"Further strengthening coordination and interaction within the CIS framework aligns with our fundamental interests and is an important factor in ensuring the sustainable development of Commonwealth states," he added. Kosherbayev also outlined Kazakhstan's position on various aspects of CIS cooperation and put forward several proposals aimed at further developing the organization.

The meeting participants discussed current issues on regional and international agendas, as well as the state and prospects for interaction among member states. Special attention was paid to developing trade-economic and international cooperation, along with intensifying collaboration in digital and transport-transit spheres.

Following discussions, foreign ministers agreed on a package of documents concerning social development and quality of life, repatriation of minors to their countries of permanent residence, education, and awareness-raising activities.

Joint statements were also adopted regarding the situation in the Middle East and to commemorate the 65th anniversary of human spaceflight. The parties concluded by reaffirming their commitment to developing interaction within the CIS framework and further strengthening its multifaceted potential.

The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for October 2026 in Turkmenistan.