TURKMENBASHI /Turkmenistan/, October 9. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited his colleagues from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to the traditional pre-New Year informal summit in St. Petersburg on December 21.

"Of course, in keeping with our fine tradition, dear friends, I would like to invite all of you to St. Petersburg on December 21, as usual, where we traditionally gather for an informal, friendly meeting," the Russian leader said at a meeting of CIS leaders.

"We can discuss all current and future issues," Putin noted, outlining the agenda for the pre-New Year’s meeting.