«A new phase of development for our organization is the decision of the esteemed Ilham Aliyev [President of Azerbaijan] to assume the chairmanship for the first time in 2028. This is, undoubtedly, a historic moment. The president himself spoke about this as well,» the Belarusian leader emphasized.

«I hope that Armenia will also decide to fulfill this honorable role when its turn comes in 2029,» Aleksandr Lukashenko added.

As is well known, Azerbaijan and Armenia had long refrained from chairing the CIS due to a long-standing territorial conflict, which has now been resolved. Currently, the parties are engaged in a peace process aimed at a final settlement.

The Belarusian president also thanked his Uzbek counterpart, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for Uzbekistan’s agreement to assume the CIS presidency in 2027. «I am confident that our Uzbek friends will, as always, fulfill this mission with dignity,» the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko is confident that each country will give a new impetus to the work of the CIS. «Belarus will provide you with maximum assistance and will actively participate in all processes,» the president said.

The Belarusian leader wished the summit participants optimism, determination, and new achievements in their work for the benefit of the CIS countries.