CIS Heads of Governments Discuss Digitalization and Transport Integration in Ashgabat

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was held on 22 May in Ashgabat, with participation of Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov.

The session was chaired by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Khodjamyrat Geldymuradov. Heads of government from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan also took part, along with representatives of Armenia and CIS Secretary General Sergey Lebedev.

During the meeting, participants discussed key areas of economic cooperation across the CIS region and reviewed several joint programs and strategic documents.

In a restricted format, the heads of government reviewed a report on the implementation of the Interstate Program on cooperation in geodesy, cartography, spatial data infrastructure, geoinformation technologies, remote sensing, cadastral accounting, and property registration up to 2026.

Rosreestr Director Oleg Skufinskiy reported that one of the main outcomes of the program was the creation of a CIS Geospatial Data Infrastructure Geoportal, designed to integrate and provide spatial data for government institutions, businesses, and academic organizations.

Following discussions, relevant CIS cooperation bodies were recommended to consider using the Geoportal and to submit proposals for its further development.

In a broader session, participants approved the CIS Strategy for Exhibition and Congress Activities until 2030, aimed at supporting socio-economic and innovation development across member states.

They also adopted a Concept for the Digital Transformation of the Mining and Metallurgical Sector and an implementation roadmap, aimed at harmonizing approaches to digitalization in the industry.

Additionally, a Concept for the Integration of Major Transport Corridors of CIS states was approved, focusing on developing a unified transport system, improving safety, and increasing the efficiency of cross-border logistics.

The meeting also approved the CIS Inter-State Radio Navigation Program for 2027–2030, which will enhance coordination of navigation systems and develop new technologies among member states.

Minsk was designated as the CIS Youth Capital for 2027, and Karaganda for 2028.

Participants also reviewed environmental rehabilitation efforts in former uranium mining areas, amended agreements on the return of minors to their countries of residence, and extended the mandate of a deputy head of the CIS Anti-Terrorism Center.

The next CIS government meeting is scheduled for December 2026 in Moscow.