Prime Minister Ali Asadov attends CIS Council of Heads of Government meeting in Ashgabat
Baku, May 22, AZERTAC
On May 22, a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was held in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan.
Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov attended the meeting.
Speaking during the limited-format session, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of humanitarian cooperation, noting that this area remains one of the key directions of interaction among CIS member states. He stated that humanitarian projects and initiatives have significant potential to strengthen mutual understanding, traditional friendly relations, and trust between peoples.
In this context, Ali Asadov welcomed the decision to designate Minsk as 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 (WUF13), one of the largest international platforms dedicated to sustainable development, urbanization, and improving quality of life, was concluding in Baku. Ali Asadov emphasized that WUF13, held under the auspices of the United Nations, brought together more than 40,000 representatives from 182 countries.
According to the Prime Minister, current global challenges, including the global housing crisis, sustainable urban development, climate resilience, and post-crisis recovery, were discussed within the framework of the forum.
Ali Asadov paid special attention to the development of economic and trade cooperation between Azerbaijan and CIS countries, noting that relations in this field continue to strengthen and demonstrate positive dynamics. He particularly highlighted that in 2025, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and CIS member states increased by more than 10 percent.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the considerable potential for further expanding mutual trade, investment cooperation, and the implementation of joint projects in various fields.
Speaking about Azerbaijan’s socio-economic development priorities, Ali Asadov noted that the country continues to develop its industry, agriculture, transport and logistics, as well as high-technology sectors.
He described the development of green energy as a priority area, stressing that large-scale renewable energy projects contribute not only to strengthening environmental sustainability but also to expanding Azerbaijan’s investment and export potential.
Ali Asadov stated that the restoration of the Garabagh region remains at the center of attention. He noted that a modern sustainable development model is being implemented there through the creation of green energy zones, the application of advanced infrastructure solutions and innovative technologies, as well as the introduction of the “Smart City” and “Smart Village” concepts.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Garabagh region is already becoming an important hub for economic activity, investment, and sustainable development.
During his speech, Ali Asadov also highlighted that Azerbaijan is consistently strengthening its role as a reliable transport-logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia. He noted that the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects and the development of international transport corridors contribute to the further expansion of the country’s transit potential and logistical connectivity across the Eurasian region.
In addition, the Prime Minister noted the accelerated implementation of large-scale economic initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy and ensuring sustainable growth. In this regard, he stated that the “Strategy for the Development of the Digital Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026–2029,” approved in December 2025, envisages the rapid development of the technology sector, innovation, and digital transformation.
Ali Asadov stressed that these initiatives contribute not only to the sustainable growth of the non-oil sector and the expansion of international economic cooperation, but also to the formation of a new economic model based on technology, infrastructure development, and regional integration.
At the conclusion of his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized that Azerbaijan remains committed to the principles of good-neighborliness, mutual respect, and constructive partnership within the CIS.
The meeting of the heads of government later continued in an expanded format and concluded with the signing of several documents.