«Looking back at the past, you remember how challenging the conditions were when our Commonwealth [of Independent States] was created. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, external forces openly sought to manipulate the young states. Unfortunately, such a policy continues today. Our organization was vilified in every possible way, labeled a ‘geopolitical phantom’ and a ‘myth.’ It was predicted to survive for barely a couple of months, with no possibility of integration among our countries even considered,» the head of state noted. «At this point, I would like to say that our opponents made a strategic miscalculation. The reality turned out to be much more complex.»

Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that several countries had indeed used the CIS as a tool for a more or less civilized «divorce.»

Lukashenko: Moldova’s decision to leave CIS is short-sighted

Moldova is set to de jure exit the CIS in April 2027. «This is, of course, not the choice of ordinary Moldovans, but a decision by the leadership. A short-sighted one, I believe. Moreover, the leadership itself understands this and is trying to maintain its participation in the Free Trade Agreement,» the head of state noted.

In this regard, he urged Moldova’s leadership to preserve opportunities for the country’s ordinary citizens to maintain interaction channels, at least at the initial stage. «Simply put, why lose what we already have?» he said.

«History always repeats itself. We already have the experience of Georgia leaving the CIS, but today we see how the situation is changing. It is obvious that returning to normal relations is easier via the well-established tracks of the CIS mechanisms. Moreover, launching more serious formats for deepening cooperation is simpler if you have the basis of our CIS,» the Belarusian leader stated.

Lukashenko: CIS unity is built on shared history, cultural heritage, people-to-people ties

The president noted that Belarus has always consistently advocated for developing and harmonizing the advantages of all existing integration organizations. «The formation of a multipolar world is largely driven by the rising power of BRICS, the SCO, the African Union, and other associations of the Global Majority. I would like to see the CIS in this lineup,» the Belarusian leader said. «Their strengthening is fostered by powerful factors: the mutual interest in expanding trade and economic cooperation and the need for a joint response to modern security challenges,» he said.

In this context, Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced that the CIS has an advantage: «The foundation of the CIS is even stronger. We are united not only by the desire to create a fair system of global governance and trade on equal terms. Our unity is built on a shared history, cultural heritage, and people-to-people ties.»

«After all, we speak the same language. Unfortunately, we do [the summit participants and the older generation], but our youth in some countries no longer know Russian — our main language [of interstate communication],» the president said.

The head of state noted that Belarusian and Turkmen families, as well as the post-Soviet space as a whole, still preserve traditional values, honor the unparalleled feat of their heroic ancestors, and visit relatives and frienda living in other CIS countries. He added that the statement being adopted at the current summit is designed to unite people even more closely around a shared historical memory in order to prevent any distortion of the tragic events related to the Great Patriotic War.

Lukashenko sees youth as engine of CIS integration

«For the family to regain its cohesion and be strong and prosperous, more attention should be paid to young people. It is the future generations who will have to respond to old and new threats to our unity,» the head of state said. «Young people must not simply go with the flow, but must serve as the engines of integration. They need to develop and bring to life socially significant projects that would be in demand across the Commonwealth.»

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that three Belarusian cities, Minsk, Molodechno and Lida, will serve as the CIS capitals of youth, culture and tourism in the coming year, providing an international platform for self-realization, creativity and interaction among the new generations.

«What do we expect from this? That the younger generation will grow up honoring its roots and be ready to push back against foreign ideologies that threaten the foundations of our societies. That they will build genuine human connections and help our peoples understand each other better,» the president said.

«There is no doubt that the potential of the CIS has not been exhausted. Our union is a Commonwealth of a shared destiny and will remain such for many years to come,» the Belarusian leader is convinced.

Speaking about the current summit in Turkmenistan, Aleksandr Lukashenko called it symbolic that its venue was the pearl of the Caspian Sea — the beautiful Awaza. «For centuries, the Caspian Sea has served as a link between countries and peoples, and today it is once again fulfilling this function,» the head of state noted.

‘Historic moment’: Lukashenko on Azerbaijan’s first-ever CIS chairmanship in 2028

«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. 

«It is good that we meet, that we talk, that we look each other in the eye and make statements. Our people at home need to see that. But let us also take further steps toward closer unity. And what will secure that unity above all is the economy. It means prosperity and strength for our states. Then there will be less talk about independence and borders and so on. We need to strengthen our economies. There is serious work ahead of us. And we are ready to play our part in every way,» the Belarusian leader said.