📄 Joint Statement by the Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States on Preserving Historical Memory (Turkmenbashi, October 9, 2026)

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✍️ We, the Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States – the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan,

Guided by the bonds of friendship, solidarity and mutual respect that run throughout the history of relations between our peoples,

Reaffirming our commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including the development of friendly relations among states, international cooperation and the sovereign equality of states, and reaffirming the importance of preserving the universal character of the UN,

Recognising the historical significance of the establishment of the Commonwealth of Independent States 35 years ago and the value of development within a shared cultural and civilisational space, as well as the centuries-old historical, cultural and humanitarian ties between the peoples of our states,

Preserving with deep respect the memory of the heroic feats of our forebears, who defended freedom and independence during the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945, and paying tribute to their constructive work, which ensured post-war recovery and outstanding achievements in various fields, including space exploration and the advancement of world science and culture,

Convinced that respect for the past and a thorough understanding of it provide a firm foundation for national harmony, stronger intercultural dialogue, and relations of trust and solidarity among and within countries,

☝️ Declare that preserving historical memory is an effective means of countering all manifestations of discrimination, racism, xenophobia and all forms of intolerance.

Affirm that knowledge of history helps to promptly identify and counter attempts to distort the past and spread disinformation and extremism that undermine the foundations of peaceful coexistence.

Recognise the need to critically assess the complex interconnections between the past, present and future and to ensure the accuracy of historical interpretations through careful study of sources and historical scholarship.

Emphasise the importance of studying our shared history and support the advancement of historical scholarship and access to history education.

🌐 Call on the international community to join efforts to preserve historical memory and historical truth, strengthen peace, mutual respect and trust among peoples, and pass on to future generations the experience of peaceful and constructive cooperation in accordance with universally recognised norms of international law, while consistently upholding the principle that the glorification of Nazism, fascism and other destructive ideologies is unacceptable.

🤝 Seek to expand cooperation in promoting historical awareness through open, honest, professional and depoliticised dialogue by:

• Raising public awareness of commemorative dates and protecting historical sites and memorials that reflect milestones in the development of relations among CIS Member States;
• Organising thematic events, exhibitions, screenings of documentaries and historical feature films, academic and practical conferences, forums and expert discussions;
• Expanding and deepening contacts among scholars, archivists, archaeologists, movements dedicated to locating and recovering the remains of fallen soldiers, youth and volunteer movements, as well as cooperation among educational, academic and research institutions;
• Coordinating the efforts of the academic community and experts through the International Association (Commission) of Historians and Archivists of the CIS Member States and bilateral mechanisms for cooperation among historians, with a view to bringing closer together the approaches, terminology and methodologies used to describe events in our shared past.

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