President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received CIS Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev, who arrived in Ashgabat to take part in events held in frames of Turkmenistan’s Presidency over the Commonwealth of Independent States this year. Greeting the President of Turkmenistan, the guest expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunity of a personal meeting and the support provided to the organization of the XIV Forum of the CIS Creative and Scientific Intelligentsia, aimed at enhancing humanitarian cooperation within CIS, as well as the meeting of the CIS Intergovernmental Coordination Council. At the same time, it was emphasized that Turkmenistan had consistently demonstrated a proactive approach towards cooperation within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States, significantly contributing to the development of constructive equal partnership. Thanking for the kind words, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that implementing a foreign-policy strategy based on the principles of positive neutrality, peace and mutually beneficial cooperation, Turkmenistan was committed to the traditional dialogue in the CIS format and enhancement of the historically established ties of friendship and good neighbourliness that unite the peoples of the CIS member states. Fulfilling its mission as the Chair of the CIS in the most responsible manner, our country calls for the further development of the effective interstate relations in various fields. Speaking about this, the head of state also expressed satisfaction with the fruitful nature of the established contacts with the CIS Executive Committee, highly evaluating its work. The President of Turkmenistan and his guest also focused on the agenda of the upcoming Forum, aimed at providing an open platform for meaningful communication and exchange of experience, the development of new relevant vectors of cooperation, the realization of the rich potential available in this direction. In this regard, the CIS Executive Secretary expressed his gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for his concern about cooperation between the CIS member states in the humanitarian and cultural field. During the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan and his guest exchanged views on the prospects of partnership within the CIS in its priority areas, focusing on the impressive potential for expanding productive collaboration given modern realities and the new opportunities. In this context, the meeting participants touched upon the preparation for the upcoming meeting of the Council of CIS Heads of Governments in Ashgabat, other important meetings, as well as the Caspian Economic Forum initiated by the Turkmen leader. In conclusion of the meeting, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and CIS Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev expressed confidence in that all the activities scheduled in frames of Turkmenistan’s Presidency over the Commonwealth of Independent States would promote the ongoing development of multidimensional cooperation.