Opinions & Interviews

DUSHANBE, 27 September (BelTA) – Security will be the main topic of the CIS Heads of State summit in Dushanbe on 28 September, Belarus’ Ambassador to Tajikistan Oleg Ivanov told the media on 27 September, BelTA has learned.

“The heads of state meet once a year to discuss the international and regional agenda, the matters that concern each CIS country in particular and all of them in general. Security issues will be the main topic on the agenda of the CIS heads of state summit tomorrow. The meeting is held in Tajikistan, the country which is most vulnerable to the threat of international terrorism and religious extremism. Its border with Afghanistan is one of few borders in the CIS that is technically unequipped. It is just a shallow river which can be easily crossed on foot,” said the diplomat.

The heads of state will consider issues related to the economic and humanitarian cooperation. All in all, the heads of state will discuss about 20 issues and are expected to adopt a number of statements.

“Global matters are always discussed behind closed doors. Sanctions, which have recently become unusually popular thanks to certain countries, will be discussed as well. The agenda will also include joint counteraction to present-day challenges and threats, and cyber security matters,” Oleg Ivanov said.

In his words, a number of personnel issues are also high on the CIS agenda. “The CIS has about 70 councils. For example, Dushanbe hosted meetings of five such CIS councils last week alone. The meetings were attended by heads of Belarusian ministries and departments. Such meetings are not widely covered in the media but it is they that lay bricks in the foundation of interstate relations, thanks to which the CIS has been successfully functioning,” the diplomat said.