The regular meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Heads of Government was held in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, on May 22.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Prime Minister Ali Asadov of Azerbaijan attended the meeting.
In his speech at the narrow-format meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of humanitarian cooperation, noting that this area remains one of the key directions of interaction among member states. He highlighted that humanitarian projects and initiatives hold significant potential for strengthening mutual understanding, traditional friendship, and trust between nations.
In this context, Ali Asadov welcomed the decision to declare Minsk as the CIS Youth Capital in 2027 and Karaganda in 2028.
The head of the Azerbaijani government also noted that the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), one of the largest international platforms dedicated to sustainable development, urbanization, and improving the quality of life, recently concluded in Baku. The UN-backed forum brought together over 40,000 representatives from 182 countries.
According to the Prime Minister, the forum addressed pressing global challenges, including the global housing crisis, sustainable urban development, climate resilience, and post-crisis recovery.
Ali Asadov drew special attention to the development of Azerbaijan's economic and trade cooperation with CIS countries. He stated that relations in this area are consistently strengthening and showing positive dynamics, noting that the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and CIS member states increased by more than 10 percent in 2025.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the vast potential for further expanding mutual trade, investment cooperation, and implementing joint projects in various fields.
Speaking about Azerbaijan's socio-economic development priorities, Ali Asadov noted that the country is consistently developing its industrial, agricultural, transport-logistics, and high-tech sectors.
The development of "green" energy was highlighted as a priority. According to the Prime Minister, large-scale renewable energy projects implemented in Azerbaijan serve not only to strengthen environmental sustainability but also to expand the country's investment and export potential.
Ali Asadov stated that special attention is paid to the restoration of the Garabagh region. A qualitatively new sustainable development model is being implemented there through the creation of green energy zones, modern infrastructure solutions, innovative technologies, and the application of "smart city" and "smart village" concepts.
The Prime Minister noted that today the Garabagh region is becoming an important hub for economic activity, investment, and sustainable development.
During his speech, he also highlighted Azerbaijan's consistently growing role as a reliable transport and logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia. The implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects and the development of international transport corridors contribute to the expansion of the country's transit potential and the strengthening of logistical connectivity in Eurasia.
Furthermore, Ali Asadov pointed out the intensification of large-scale economic initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy and ensuring sustainable growth. In this regard, he mentioned that Azerbaijan's Digital Economy Development Strategy for 2026–2029, which envisages the rapid development of the technology sector, innovation, and digital transformation, was approved in December 2025.
The Prime Minister stated that the combination of these initiatives contributes to the sustainable growth of the non-oil sector and the expansion of international economic cooperation, as well as the formation of a new economic model based on technology, infrastructure development, and regional integration.
Concluding his speech, Ali Asadov emphasized that Azerbaijan remains constantly committed to the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect, and constructive partnership within the CIS framework.
Later, the heads of government continued the meeting in an expanded format.
A number of documents were signed at the end of the meeting.
