Dear friends!
In 2026, the Commonwealth of Independent States will celebrate its 35th anniversary. In recent years, the independent republics that are part of it have been actively strengthening their statehood, developing their economies, and improving the well‑being of their citizens. But they still save the desire to preserve a common economic, social, and humanitarian space, as well as an indivisible security.
The CIS advances its legislative framework and trade and economic cooperation. The Commonwealth members are confidently increasing their GDP figures. This is largely due to the deepening of their integration, the industrial cooperation improvement, the free trade zone expansion, and the transition to settlements in their national currencies.
The CIS thematic years are a consistent success. The Year of Folk Art and Cultural Heritage demonstrated how vibrant and rich is the culture of our peoples who have lived side by side for centuries. The Year of the Volunteer Movement drew attention to volunteer work as an important component of the civil society. The Year of the Russian Language confirmed its status as a language of interethnic communication. And the current year, 2026, is dedicated to health protection — a timeless value.
2025 was of particular importance as it was marked by the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and was declared the Year of Peace and Unity in the Fight against nazism in the CIS. The acknowledgement of their common destiny and their Great Victory united people in our countries, prompted them to remember their heroic ancestors and made them reflect on how fragile peace and interethnic harmony are and how carefully they must be preserved.
New projects are emerging. The CIS Games, which were held in Russia, Belarus, and Azerbaijan, became a true celebration of sport and fair competition. The “Youth Capitals of the CIS” project, which was launched in Uzbekistan, is aimed at the younger generation, which will be responsible for developing our Commonwealth. The “City of Labor Glory” title was established to pay tribute to those who forged victory at machine tools, in fields, and in hospitals during the Great Patriotic War.
Our Commonwealth of Independent States, which has demonstrated its viability and commitment to the future, is open to the cooperation in the Eurasian space and in the world as a whole. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has been granted the observer status in the CIS. The “CIS+” format has been established. This turns the CIS into the core of the reliable security and development mechanisms being formed in our vast region, and also allows it to take a worthy place in the new polycentric world.