Putin Holds Bilateral Talks on Sidelines of CIS Informal Summit
ISTANBUL — Russian President Vladimir Putin held a series of bilateral meetings in St. Petersburg with regional leaders on the sidelines of the informal Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit, discussing security, trade, logistics, and regional cooperation.
Talks With Tajikistan Focus on Security
During a meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon at the State Hermitage Museum, Putin expressed condolences over the death of a Tajik boy in what he described as a terrorist attack. He called crimes against children “especially heinous” and assured that those responsible would face punishment.
Putin said Russian and Tajik law enforcement agencies were working closely on the investigation and pledged to keep Dushanbe informed of any developments. In response, Rahmon thanked Putin for the message of sympathy and said Tajik authorities were conducting a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
Armenia Talks Highlight Trade and Transport Links
Putin later met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, noting what he described as positive momentum in bilateral relations. He said trade turnover between the two countries exceeded $11 billion in 2024 and reached $4.5 billion in the first nine months of the current year.
The Russian leader added that discussions covered energy cooperation, including nuclear power, as well as logistics and transport projects. Pashinyan welcomed Russia’s support for the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, saying recent regional developments had created new opportunities.
He also said rail freight between Russia and Armenia via Azerbaijani territory had already resumed, calling it a historic step. In addition, he noted that talks were ongoing on restoring further railway routes and advancing new transport projects.
Kazakhstan Meeting Emphasizes Strategic Partnership
In a separate meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Putin said relations between Moscow and Astana were developing steadily and that the two sides had no serious disputes, although several practical issues remained.
Tokayev described bilateral ties as growing stronger and said cooperation within a strategic partnership and alliance framework remained a top priority for Kazakhstan. He added that closer coordination served the core interests of both countries.
CIS Summit Addresses Regional Cooperation
The bilateral meetings followed informal discussions among CIS leaders and sessions of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in St. Petersburg. Leaders addressed economic integration, security challenges, and regional cooperation during the gatherings.
Earlier, addressing the broader CIS meeting, Putin said trade between Russia and CIS countries reached nearly $90 billion in the first 10 months of the year. He highlighted the creation of new production and transport chains and the modernization of transcontinental logistics corridors.
Putin also identified the fight against terrorism, extremism, organized crime, drug trafficking, and corruption as key areas of cooperation. He added that CIS members shared similar views on major global and regional issues and supported a just world order based on international law, with the United Nations playing a central role.
CIS Background and Attendance
The CIS, formed in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, aims to promote cooperation in economic, political, and security matters. Its full members include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, while Turkmenistan holds associate status. Moldova suspended participation in CIS meetings in 2022.
Earlier on Monday, Azerbaijan’s presidential administration said President Ilham Aliyev would not attend the informal summit due to a busy schedule.
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