On December 28, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov paid a working visit to the Russian Federation, where he took part in the informal Summit of the leaders of the CIS countries, held in St. Petersburg.

 During the meeting, the leaders of the CIS countries discussed topical issues on the agenda, first of all, the progress of the partnership in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres.  The heads of state summed up the main results of this jubilee year – the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Commonwealth.

 They also discussed issues of cooperation in the field of healthcare and the medical industry.  In this context, an exchange of views took place on joint measures taken to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

 Speaking at the summit, the leader of the Turkmen state noted the importance of the initiative to form a new philosophy of modern international relations, called «Dialogue – a guarantee of peace».

 Speaking about the need to continue the fight against the consequences of COVID-19, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the particular importance of consistent and early recovery of economic and trade ties, lifting of forced restrictions on transport links.

 At the same time, as the head of Turkmenistan emphasized, the accumulated national and international experience in combating the pandemic and its consequences allows us to hope for a successful result of this work.

 The President of Turkmenistan stressed that cultural and humanitarian cooperation should remain among the priorities of the CIS.