TURKMENBASHI /Turkmenistan/, October 9. /TASS/. The historic choice made by CIS countries to pool their efforts and potential has proven worthwhile, the Commonwealth’s Executive Committee said, publishing a statement by CIS heads of state marking the 35th anniversary of the organization's founding.

"The countries' historic choice to unite their efforts and potential has fully proven its worth. Over the past decades - amidst increasingly complex international processes, the emergence of new regional and global centers of influence, and the declining effectiveness of many global multilateral mechanisms and instruments - the growing role of regional associations has become a global trend. Under these conditions, the Commonwealth has demonstrated its relevance and future potential as a flexible, well-functioning mechanism for multilateral cooperation," the Executive Committee said, describing the document's contents.

"Today, amidst the transformation of international relations, the CIS ensures a strategic partnership among member states and is developing into a unique platform for dialogue, where cooperation is built on the principles of equality and mutual respect," the heads of state emphasized.

The further development of trade and economic relations within the CIS will be based on implementing the Commonwealth's economic development strategy through 2030 and carrying out other conceptual and strategic documents across all economic sectors.

The CIS heads of state reaffirm their commitment to fostering cooperation in protecting human rights and freedoms, ensuring access to justice, and strengthening legal safeguards - all of which are vital conditions for sustainable development and improving citizens' quality of life.