CIS Leaders Convene in Dushanbe, Sign Key Cooperation Documents

CIS Summit Concludes with Broad Cooperation Agreements

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of State convened for a regular meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on October 10, 2025. Chaired by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, the summit brought together leaders from across the region to address pressing issues of security, economic development, and regional cooperation. The meeting culminated in the signing of a significant package of documents aimed at strengthening multilateral ties within the Commonwealth.

Key Security and Military Initiatives

A central focus of the Dushanbe summit was the enhancement of regional security. The heads of state approved several crucial documents, including a Cooperation Program to Combat Terrorism and Extremism for 2026–2028 and an Agreement on Joint Action Against Transnational Crime. Furthermore, a comprehensive Concept of Military Cooperation until 2030 was adopted, alongside the 2026–2030 Program of Cooperation for Strengthening Border Security at External Borders. These agreements underscore a collective commitment to addressing common threats and ensuring stability within the CIS member states.

Economic and Humanitarian Collaboration

Beyond security, the leaders also advanced cooperation in economic and humanitarian spheres. Discussions covered a wide range of strategic issues, including the development of transport and logistics infrastructure, digital integration, and ensuring energy security. A Declaration on Regional Energy Security was among the signed documents. The summit also saw the re-appointment of Sergey Lebedev as the CIS Secretary General and confirmed that Turkmenistan would assume the CIS Presidency for 2026.

Introduction of 'CIS Plus' Format and Other Decisions

A notable outcome of the Dushanbe meeting was the establishment of the 'Commonwealth of Independent States Plus' (CIS+) format. This new mechanism is designed to expand the CIS's engagement with external states and international organizations, with the first step being the granting of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) observer status with the CIS. Other decisions included governing the activities of the CIS Human Rights Commission for 2023–2025 and joint statements on combating money laundering, financing of terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Joint statements were also adopted to mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident.