Next CIS Summit to Be Held in Turkmenistan in 2026

The next meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will be held on October 9, 2026, in Turkmenistan. The decision was made during the summit held in Dushanbe, where the presidency of the structure for 2026 was officially transferred to Turkmenistan.

Commenting on this decision, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow assessed it as "a testament to the respect and trust towards Turkmenistan." He emphasized that Ashgabat will approach the tasks set before it with full responsibility, aiming to strengthen partnership in the Commonwealth space and contribute to improving the well-being and quality of life of the peoples of the member countries. "We appreciate this as a recognition of our country's contribution to the development of the Commonwealth of Independent States," he added.

Another important decision was made during the summit: the mandate of CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev was extended for another three years. This was announced by Lebedev himself during the expanded session of the Council of Heads of State. "Your humble servant has been appointed to the post of Secretary General of the Commonwealth for the next three-year term," he said.

Lebedev, who has held this position since 2007, thanked the heads of the CIS countries for their high trust and promised to continue his work aimed at preserving and strengthening friendship and good-neighborly relations between the states and peoples of the Commonwealth.