Turkmenbashi:A limited-format meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State was held on October 9 in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan in attendance.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev addressed the meeting, expressing gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for his hospitality and wishing success to Uzbekistan's upcoming chairmanship of the CIS in 2027. He highlighted the strong relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, built on centuries-old bonds of friendship and brotherhood.

President Aliyev noted the frequent high-level visits between the two countries, which have bolstered bilateral relations and opened new avenues for cooperation. He emphasized the importance of the CIS as a platform for political dialogue and cooperation, marking its thirty-fifth anniversary.

The President also expressed appreciation for designating the city of Lachin as the Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth, highlighting the successful cultural events held there. Additionally, he praised the hosting of the Third CIS Games in Azerbaijan, which fostered friendship among the peoples of the member states.

Aliyev discussed Azerbaijan's development as a key transport hub and its efforts to increase transit cargo volumes through the North-South and East-West corridors. He concluded by thanking the council for supporting Azerbaijan's co-chairmanship of the CIS in 2027 and expressed the country's readiness to assume the chairmanship in 2028.