Alexander Lukashevich, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the statutory and other bodies of the CIS, discussed the prospects of Turkmenistan acceding to the Charter of the Commonwealth of Independent States in an interview with RIA Novosti.

According to the diplomat, Turkmenistan participates in the activities of the CIS based on its own sovereign interests and holds the organization's chairmanship this year. The country has assumed obligations under the Agreement on the Establishment of the CIS of December 8, 1991, and the Protocol thereto of December 21, 1991.

Lukashevich noted that Turkmenistan’s signing of the Commonwealth Charter would be a positive step, while emphasizing that making such a decision is the sovereign right of each state as a subject of international law.

The diplomat also highlighted the flexibility of the CIS participation model, which, according to him, allows states to structure their interaction with the organization based on their own interests in specific areas of cooperation.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Commonwealth of Independent States. In 2025, the aggregate GDP of the CIS increased by 2%, with economic growth recorded in all member states of the organization.