Historic moment: Lukashenko on Azerbaijan's 2028 CIS chairmanship

“A new stage in our organization’s development — the decision by respected Ilham Geydarovich (Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev) to take the chairmanship for the first time in 2028. This is undoubtedly a historic moment,” emphasized the Belarusian leader.

“I hope Armenia will also decide to take on this honorable role in turn in 2029,” added Alexander Lukashenko.

Azerbaijan and Armenia had long refrained from chairing the CIS due to their prolonged territorial conflict, which is now resolved. Currently, both countries are engaged in a peace process aimed at final settlement.

The President of Belarus also thanked his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev for Uzbekistan’s agreement to assume the CIS chairmanship in 2027. “I am confident our Uzbek friends will, as always, carry out this mission with dignity,” said the Head of State.

Alexander Lukashenko expressed confidence that each country would give new momentum to the CIS’s work. “Belarus will provide you with maximum support and actively participate in all processes,” the President assured.

He wished the summit participants optimism, determination, and new achievements in their work for the benefit of the Commonwealth nations.