CIS Foreign Ministers Meet in Moscow, Adopt Statement on Gagarin Anniversary

The Council of Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) convened in Moscow on April 17, 2026. The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Akhmet Gurbanov.

Foreign ministers from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan participated in the session. Representatives from Azerbaijan and Armenia also attended, alongside CIS Secretary General Sergei Lebedev.

Discussions were held in both restricted and expanded formats. During the restricted session, ministers exchanged views on pressing international issues and cooperation within the Commonwealth framework.

The expanded meeting focused on reviewing the implementation of a plan for multi-level inter-ministerial consultations and a program to intensify collaboration among CIS foreign policy agencies for 2025. It was noted that 18 consultative events were held under this plan, covering a wide range of areas including foreign policy planning, economic diplomacy, export control, engagement with international organizations, and cooperation in humanitarian and cultural spheres.

Special attention was paid to coordinating CIS countries' positions at the United Nations platform, interaction with the European Union and other international structures, as well as cooperation in education, science, sports, and youth policy.

Following the discussions, decisions were made regarding the functioning of core educational organizations within the CIS. Specifically, the status of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia as a core organization for information support of CIS educational systems was clarified. A decision was also taken to transfer the functions of a core organization for adult education to an Institute for Vocational Education Development following the liquidation of its predecessor institution.

The foreign ministers adopted a joint statement commemorating the 65th anniversary of humanity's first space flight. The document emphasizes the historic significance of Yuri Gagarin's flight and acknowledges regional contributions to space industry development. Participants affirmed their commitment to using outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes in accordance with international law norms.

Furthermore, ministers approved several draft decisions to be submitted for consideration by the Council of Heads of State and Council of Heads of Government. These include a proposal to declare 2028 as "The Year of Social Development and Quality Life" alongside initiatives in humanitarian cooperation and interstate programs.

The next meeting is scheduled for October in Turkmenistan.