Today, the next meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was held in Ashgabat.
According to the information provided to elchi by the Cabinet of Ministers, Prime Minister Ali Asadov attended the meeting.
During his speech at the meeting held in a limited format, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of humanitarian cooperation, stating that this area remains one of the main directions of interaction between the member states of the Commonwealth. It was noted that humanitarian projects and initiatives possess significant potential for strengthening mutual understanding, traditional friendly relations, and trust among peoples.
In this context, A. Asadov welcomed the decision to declare Minsk as the Youth Capital of the CIS in 2027, and Karaganda in 2028.
The head of the Azerbaijani Government also noted that these days, one of the largest international platforms dedicated to issues of sustainable development, urbanization, and improving the quality of life – the 13th session of the World Urban Forum – is concluding in Baku. It was emphasized that the forum, held under the auspices of the UN, brought together more than 40,000 representatives from 182 countries of the world.
According to the Prime Minister, current global challenges, including the global housing crisis, sustainable development of cities, climate resilience, and post-crisis recovery, were discussed within the framework of the forum.
A. Asadov paid special attention to the development of Azerbaijan’s economic and trade cooperation with CIS countries. It was stated that relations in this area are consistently strengthening and demonstrating positive dynamics. It was specifically noted that in 2025, the volume of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the CIS member states increased by more than 10 percent.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that there is great potential for further expanding mutual trade, investment cooperation, and implementing joint projects in various fields.
Speaking about Azerbaijan’s socio-economic development priorities, A. Asadov noted that the country’s industry, agriculture, transport-logistics sector, and high-tech sectors of the economy are currently developing consistently.
The development of “green” energy was highlighted as a priority direction. According to the Prime Minister, large-scale projects implemented in the field of renewable energy sources in the country serve not only to strengthen ecological sustainability but also to expand Azerbaijan’s investment and export potential.
According to A. Asadov, special attention is paid to the restoration of the Karabakh region. A new quality sustainable development model is being implemented there through the creation of green energy zones, the application of modern infrastructure solutions, innovative technologies, as well as “smart city” and “smart village” concepts.
The Prime Minister stated that today, the Karabakh region is already becoming an important place for economic activity, investment, and sustainable development.
During the speech, it was also noted that Azerbaijan is consistently strengthening its role as a reliable transport-logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia. The implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects and the development of international transport corridors contribute to the further expansion of the country’s transit potential and the strengthening of logistical connectivity in the Eurasian space.
Furthermore, A. Asadov noted that the implementation of large-scale economic initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy and ensuring sustainable growth has intensified. In this regard, it was stated that in December 2025, Azerbaijan’s Digital Economy Development Strategy for 2026–2029, which envisages the rapid development of the technology sector, innovations, and digital transformation, was approved.
The Prime Minister stated that the sum of the implemented initiatives, along with the sustainable growth of the non-oil sector and the expansion of international economic cooperation, contributes to the formation of a new economic model based on technologies, infrastructure development, and regional integration.
In conclusion, A. Asadov emphasized that the Republic of Azerbaijan remains committed to the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect, and constructive partnership within the CIS.
Afterward, the heads of government continued the meeting in an expanded format. A number of documents were signed at the end of the meeting.