ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 11. Turkmenistan
aims to drive the transformation of the Caspian region into a
pivotal international hub for transport, transit, and energy with
continental significance during its chairmanship of the
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in 2026,
Trend reports.
This strategic initiative is outlined in the Concept of
Turkmenistan’s CIS chairmanship, published on March 11 on the
website of the CIS Executive Committee.
The concept highlights Turkmenistan's intention to enhance
multilateral cooperation among CIS member states to fully unlock
the economic, energy, and logistical potential of the Caspian Sea
and its surrounding regions.
Key to this vision is the development of sustainable transport
and logistics corridors linking the Caspian and Black Sea regions,
thereby facilitating further access to Middle Eastern markets.
A particular focus will be placed on strengthening collaboration
for the development of the international North-South transport
corridor along the Caspian coastline. This will include both
eastern and western routes, with an emphasis on enhancing regional
transit connectivity.
The Commonwealth of Independent States was established in 1991
after the dissolution of the Soviet Union to promote regional
cooperation in political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. The
CIS Economic Council coordinates efforts to implement joint
economic policies, develop transport and energy networks, and
foster trade integration. The CIS chairmanship passed from
Tajikistan to Turkmenistan on January 1, 2026.
