CIS countries reaffirm cooperation in anniversary statement

CIS heads of state reaffirmed plans to strengthen political, economic, technological and cultural ties in a statement marking the Commonwealth's 35th anniversary, signed in Turkmenistan on 9 October.

The document's authors said closer cooperation should create conditions for stronger competitiveness and socioeconomic development. The statement was adopted at the Council of Heads of State meeting in the Avaza tourist zone near Turkmenbashi.

The official CIS publication also describes readiness to expand social cooperation. The document lists citizens' rights, healthcare and occupational safety, employment, and social and labour rights for workers from member countries and their families.

Participants called legal cooperation a foundation for the organisation's development. They linked it to improving and bringing national legal systems closer together, strengthening the treaty framework and making interstate cooperation more effective.