The Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States
27 October

CIS First Deputy Secretary-General Igor Petrishenko: Infrastructure Development Should Be Central to CIS Energy Cooperation

Energy is a driver of development across the CIS, setting the tone for cooperation in all areas. This was stated by Igor Petrishenko, the CIS First Deputy Secretary-General, during the plenary session “Developing Energy – Developing Economy” at the 30th Belarusian Energy and Ecology Forum in Minsk.

 

He recalled that in the Statement adopted by the CIS heads of state at the summit in Turkmenistan on October 9, 2026, marking the 35th anniversary of the Commonwealth, the leaders highlighted the need to enhance economic security and improve approaches to further cooperation among the CIS member states in the energy sector and other areas.

“Energy is a driver of development across the Commonwealth, setting the tone for cooperation in all areas. It is worth recalling that about a year ago, in the Declaration on Cooperation in Ensuring Regional Energy Security, the heads of state also noted the importance of enhancing the competitiveness of our countries in the energy sector by adapting to global trends and the global economy. Ultimately, the well-being of our citizens and the reliable functioning of all sectors depend directly on the security of energy supplies. The ultimate goal we are all striving to achieve in each of our countries is to improve the well-being of our citizens,” Igor Petrishenko noted.