CIS Foreign Ministers Discuss Cooperation and Adopt Statement on Space

A meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was held in Moscow on April 17, 2026. The session was opened and chaired by the current head of the CIS Council, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Akhmed Gurbanov.

Foreign ministers from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan participated in the meeting. Representatives from Azerbaijan and Armenia were also present. CIS Secretary General Sergei Lebedev took part in the proceedings as well.

The discussions were held in both restricted and expanded formats. In a narrow circle, the ministers exchanged views on pressing issues of the international agenda and interaction within the Commonwealth framework.

During the expanded session, participants reviewed the implementation of a plan for multi-level inter-ministerial consultations and a program for intensifying cooperation among CIS member states' foreign ministries for 2025. It was noted that 18 consultative events had been held under this plan, covering a wide range of areas including foreign policy planning, economic diplomacy, export control, interaction with international organizations, as well as 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 meeting, decisions were made regarding the functioning of core educational organizations. Specifically, it clarified that RUDN University (Peoples' Friendship University of Russia) would retain its status as a core organization for information support to CIS education systems. Another decision transferred functions related to adult education to an Institute for Professional Education Development following the liquidation of a previous institution.

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

Additionally,the ministers approved several draft decisions that will be submitted for consideration by both CIS Heads-of-State Counciland Heads-of-Government Council.Among these proposals are declaring2028as "Yearof Social Developmentand Qualityof Life,"alongside initiativesin humanitarian cooperationand interstate programs.

The next CIS Foreign Ministers Council meeting is scheduledfor Octoberand will take placein Turkmenistan.