Russian President Vladimir Putin opened the meeting of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) Council of Leaders at the Kremlin, beginning with closed-door discussions among the heads of state.
Yuri Ushakov, the Russian Presidential Aide on International Affairs, stated that after the opening remarks, the leaders would engage in private talks in a free discussion format, allowing each participant to address the issues most important to their country.
Following the closed-door meeting, an expanded public session is planned, concluding with a reception honoring the guests from CIS member states.
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was formed after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. It consists of nine former Soviet republics, including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and others, with a primary focus on fostering economic, political, and security cooperation.
The CIS Council of Leaders is one of the key decision-making bodies within the organisation, where heads of state meet to discuss regional issues, economic collaboration, security, and geopolitical challenges.
