Foreign Policy

Ali Asadov attends CIS Council of Heads of Government meeting in Ashgabat.

International News Desk 

According to Global times News Agancy Europe,A regular meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Government was held in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, on May 22.The global times Europe media, informs that Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov attended the meeting.Speaking at the meeting held in a limited format, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of humanitarian cooperation, saying that this area remains one of the key areas of interaction among the member states of the Commonwealth. It was noted that humanitarian projects and initiatives have significant potential to strengthen mutual understanding, traditional friendly relations and trust among peoples.In this context, Asadov welcomed the decision to declare Minsk the CIS Youth Capital in 2027 and Karaganda in 2028.The head of the Azerbaijani government also noted that the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, one of the largest international platforms dedicated to sustainable development, urbanization and improving quality of life, is concluding in Baku these days. It was emphasized that the forum, held under the auspices of the UN, brought together more than 40,000 representatives from 182 countries.According to the Prime Minister, the forum discussed pressing global challenges, including the global housing crisis, sustainable urban development, climate resilience and post-crisis recovery.Asadov paid special attention to the development of Azerbaijan's economic and trade cooperation with CIS countries. He said relations in this area are being consistently strengthened and are showing positive dynamics. It was particularly noted that trade turnover between Azerbaijan and CIS member states increased by more than 10% in 2025.The Prime Minister also emphasized that there is great potential for further expanding mutual trade and investment cooperation, as well as implementing joint projects in various areas.Speaking about Azerbaijan's socio-economic development priorities, Asadov noted that industry, agriculture, transport and logistics, and high-tech sectors of the economy are developing consistently in the country.The development of green energy was separately emphasized as a priority area. According to the Prime Minister, large-scale projects being implemented in the field of renewable energy not only strengthen environmental sustainability, but also serve to expand Azerbaijan's investment and export potential.Asadov said special attention is being paid to the restoration of the Karabakh region. A qualitatively new sustainable development model is being implemented there through the creation of green energy zones, modern infrastructure solutions, innovative technologies, as well as the application of smart city and smart village concepts.The Prime Minister said that the Karabakh region is already becoming an important area for economic activity, investment and sustainable development.The speech also noted that Azerbaijan is consistently strengthening its role as a reliable transport and logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia. The implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects and the development of international transport corridors contribute to further expanding the country's transit potential and strengthening logistics connectivity across Eurasia.In addition, Asadov noted that the implementation of large-scale economic initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy and ensuring sustainable growth has intensified. In this regard, it was stated that Azerbaijan's Digital Economy Development Strategy for 2026–2029, which envisages the rapid development of the technology sector, innovation and digital transformation, was approved in December 2025.The Prime Minister said the set of initiatives being implemented contributes to the formation of a new economic model based on technology, infrastructure development and regional integration, along with the sustainable growth of the non-oil sector and the expansion of international economic cooperation.Concluding his speech, Asadov stressed that Azerbaijan remains committed to the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect and constructive partnership within the CIS.The meeting of heads of government then continued in an expanded format.A number of documents were signed following the meeting.